Grainnet

St. Louis, MO and Ames, IA--The Iowa State University Research Foundation (ISURF) and Monsanto Company announced an agreement on Sept. 4 that resolves a patent dispute related to low linolenic soybeans and establishes a relationship that paves the way for future technology development.

Under the terms of the agreement Monsanto will receive a commercial license from ISURF for current and future low linolenic acid product lines developed by Iowa State University.

The University will receive a research license for the use of Roundup RReady2Yield™ soybeans.

Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"This collaborative agreement will ensure that farmers will be able to obtain the benefits of these new soybean technologies delivered together in the seed," said Robb Fraley, Monsanto's chief technology officer.

"We have had a long, productive relationship with Iowa State University and we look forward to working with them to provide ways for farmers to increase profitability and productivity and for consumers to get benefits from improved soybean oils."

Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy said, "The University and the Research Foundation are pleased with this agreement.

"We look forward to continuing our work with Monsanto for the benefit of the University, the company and farmers."

Soybeans that contain low linolenic acid content result in more stable oil that does not require hydrogenation.

By eliminating hydrogenation, the oil has no trans fat.

As additional soybean quality traits are developed by Iowa State, Monsanto's Roundup RReady2Yield™ trait will be made available for stacked combinations.

For more information, call Geri Berdak at 314-694-4717, or Kenneth Kirkland at 515-294-4741.

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