AGP, Monsanto partner to provide high oleic soybeans

Ag Processing (AGP) will take part in the 2016 pilot program of Mansanto’s Vistive Gold high oleic soybeans, marking the first time Iowa growers will be able to increase soybean profit potential via the Vistive Gold high oleic soybeans.

It has taken over a decade and a lot of input from food companies to offer the new soybeans, which have zero trans fats and reduced saturated fats.

“AGP is excited about our partnership with Monsanto, local cooperative members and soybean producers in this new opportunity to add value to soybeans and introduce new technology to the industry,” Mark Sandeen, vice president for processing marketing, said. “We look forward to working with our partners and food customers as Vistive Gold oil is introduced to the marketplace.”

Two member cooperatives in Iowa, Farmers Cooperative Elevator Co. and Aspinwall Cooperative Co. will give farmers who grow Vistive Gold soybeans, under a first-come, first-serve contract, premiums of 80 cents per bushel for on-farm storage and 70 cents per bushel for harvest delivery. The high oleic oil will be marketed to interested food manufacturers after the soybeans are processed at AGP’s plant in Manning, Iowa. 

“We are excited to bring Vistive Gold soybeans to farmers in Iowa, and see this as a great opportunity for farmers to maximize their soy acre profit potential,” Sarah Vacek, Monsanto soy product quality traits manager, said. “Because Vistive Gold soybeans are built on the Roundup Ready 2 Yield platform and feature enhanced breeding and agronomic packages, farmers will see the same yield advantage they have come to expect with their standard Monsanto varieties.”