Sursem signs agreement with Monsanto formalizing access to Bt Roundup Ready 2 technology

Sursem, an independent Argentinian seed company, formalized the access to Bt Roundup Ready® 2 technology for its soybean varieties, by signing an agreement this past month with Monsanto.

With own breeding programs in corn, soybeans and sunflower, Sursem is becoming a relevant player in the Argentine high technology seed market, growing from an invoicing of 9 million dollars in 2007 to level of revenue that is expected to be above 35 Million in 2011. This growth is based on the launching of new high yielding hybrids and varieties in the above mentioned crops as well as the expansion of its distribution network not only in Argentina, but also in Uruguay, Bolivia and Paraguay.

Martín Oliva, Soybean Breeding Director for the company mentioned that: “Sursem is incorporating this new technology into its own elite soybean germplasm for the maturity groups ranging from 4 to 8. This process is being done in Puerto Rico, where tropical environment favors the number of generations/year. This trait will allow new jumps in the yield of soybeans crop, and will allow a higher flexibility in the management of it as well as lower use of pesticides for the control of insects.”

There is a growing consensus among growers about the need of having this technology available for it´s farms, therefore recognizing the value of it and the property rights of the technology based companies that had developed it.