Monsanto completes €27mn investment in seed plant in Romania

Monsanto has completed a EUR 27mn investment in its seed processing and conditioning plant in Sinesti, Ialomita County, Romania. Total investments in Sinesti plant thus reached EUR 140mn in past eight years. The investment means doubling the seed processing and conditioning capacity of the plant to 2.7 million units (bags of 50,000 kernels each i.e.) – meaning that the plant can deliver enough seeds for some 2 mln ha.

In separate news, the EC took steps toward the approval of the cultivation of a second type of GM corn/maize in Europe. Until now, Monsanto was the sole supplier of GM maize seed in Europe. Upon EC decision, DuPont’s Pionier TC1507 GM maize seed is closer to being admitted on the European market. The EC specifically asked national authorities to decide on the DuPont seeds. Unless a qualified majority of countries reject the type, the EC will have to approve its access to market. Environmental groups claim that the DuPont type of maize is specifically designed to be used with strong agri-chemicals that are harmful to environment.