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
Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry to Visit Toronto and Southwestern Ontario Tuesday, March 3, 2026 The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will be in Toronto and Southwestern Ontario later this week as part of its ongoing study on the role of Canada’s agriculture and agri‑food sector in strengthening national food security. The fact‑finding mission is scheduled for... Read this article online
AgriStability Program Updated to Include Pasture-Related Feed Costs Beginning in 2026 Monday, March 2, 2026 In case you missed it last week, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that pasture-related feed costs will be added as an allowable expense under AgriStability starting with the 2026 program year. The update addresses rising operational... Read this article online
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Energy-Free Miraco MiraFount Waterers for Cattle Friday, February 27, 2026 The Miraco MiraFount 1-Hole Energy-Free Roll-Away Ball Watering Trough is designed to provide clean, reliable water for livestock in all seasons without the need for electricity. Built for durability and efficiency, this insulated waterer helps prevent freezing during winter while... Read this article online