Cibus and Rotam launch non-transgenic SU Canola™ in US

Cibus Global and Rotam have recently announced the launch of non-transgenic SU Canola™ (Sulfonylurea Tolerant) in the United States. Rotam has developed two new effective weed control solutions specifically designed for use on SU Canola™.

Dave Voss, Vice President, Commercial Development at Cibus, emphasized many benefits of the new system, now available to farmers and end users of non-transgenic canola: “SU Canola offers farmers a new alternative for weed control in canola that will provide sound stewardship options to deal with the management of glyphosate weed resistance. SU Canola is an optimal fit for rotation with glyphosate tolerant soybeans reducing weed pressure caused by volunteer glyphosate tolerant canola in soybean fields. Farmers can anticipate a product that has been developed to include exceptional broadleaf weed control, excellent crop safety, in an economical and easy-to-use package. Additionally, many participants in the canola industry including processors, farmers, and end use food consumers, will benefit from SU Canola as the oil and meal derived from this canola will address the growing demand for non-transgenic food ingredients.”

This initiative combines years of Cibus’ cutting-edge laboratory research with Rotam’s strong manufacturing and production capabilities in bringing two sulfonylurea herbicide products exclusively registered for SU Canola: Draft™, designed for Midwest applications, and Cleat™, registered for use in California. “Rotam is thrilled to join Cibus and provide a new system featuring our herbicide solutions for canola farmers,” said Steve Stansell, Marketing Manager, Rotam North America.

In 2014, Cibus is testing a wide range of SU Canola™ hybrids developed for the North American market. “This non-transgenic solution is a breakthrough for the farmers who are going to see marked, sustainable benefits to their crops,” Voss continued. The introduction of this product comes alongside a major global boost in demand for canola, which has been embraced as a healthy alternative to other cooking oils and as a valuable biofuel feedstock.

Cibus’ SU Canola™ product is commercially available in the United States and the SU trait received approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada late last year opening the possibility to register SU hybrids and sell into the world’s largest canola market.