Soybean patent to expire this year Thursday, January 6, 2011 by BETTER FARMING STAFFWhen Monsanto’s 20-year patent on Roundup Ready soybeans comes to an end this August, it will be a world first for a widespread plant biotechnology trait to go off patent, so the company is doing its best to explain the rules of this particular endgame to farmers. The first lesson is that this year’s crop will be subject to patent rules. Erin Romeo, intellectual property protection manager for Monsanto Canada, says that even though the patent expires in August 2011, farmers using the technology in 2011 will be doing so during the life of the patent. That means they can’t save seed. They can buy Roundup Ready soybeans in 2012, when it is off patent, and save seed from that crop to plant in 2013. “Focus on the date spring of 2013,” Romeo said. “The patent comes off in August 2011 but that is just the start of things. The important date for farmers and when they get to make choices is really spring 2013.”Of course, if they are planting Monsanto’s newer version, Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans, they are covered by a different patent that is still in force and Monsanto will continue to do field tests to make sure everyone plays by the rules.Monsanto announced today that it has launched a website to explain the protocols and timeline around the patent expiry. More than 60 per cent of Canada’s soybean acreage uses the Roundup Ready technology, the company’s news release states. BF Ethnic diversity a 'game changer' for Ontario growers Honeyed deals
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online