Pioneer to receive patents for its soybean varieties in Canada

Pioneer Hi-Bred has secured allowances for new Variety Improvement Patents on many of its soybean varieties. These pending Canadian patents are scheduled to be issued in 2011.

"We believe that Canadian soybean growers can benefit from access to the latest and most advanced seed," says Ian Grant, President, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. "By protecting soybean varieties with Variety Improvement Patents, we'll be better equipped to bring growers the innovation, yield gains and increased profitability they expect."

"With the recent expiry of the original Roundup Ready technology in Canada, we want to be very clear so that our customers are well positioned to make informed choices for the next season without any misunderstanding," says Grant.

"Pioneer brand seed is sold for a single use. It's written on the bag tag and included in the Terms & Conditions customers receive each and every year. Single use means more productivity for growers through increased yields, and better disease and insect resistance."

Canada is one of the world's largest exporters of soybeans, and a leader in producing the best soybeans in the world. Pioneer aims to help growers maintain that position through increased investment in research and development.

Pioneer is building an awareness and education plan so that every customer understands Pioneer brand seed is sold for single use to produce grain for feeding or processing.