MONSANTO DROPS BIOTECH WHEAT PLANS

"Not the end of biotech wheat"

While the company publicly cited economic considerations for its decision, an announcement by Monsanto Co., that it was halting all development of its controversial genetically engineered wheat was seen by some in industry as "rolling over" for biotech opponents.

Monsanto said a 25% decrease in winter wheat acreage since 1997, along with a lack of "widespread industry alignment" were the reasons it was dropping development. The National Association of Wheat Growers said "this isn't the end of biotech wheat. This is just a decision that the market's not ready yet."