Falling Argentine Intacta sales prompt crunch meeting

Concerns over the “significant” drop in sales of soybean seeds have led the Argentine seed multiplier association, the Casem, to meet Monsanto representatives on the issue. Discussions have primarily focused on sales of the company’s genetically modified insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant Intacta RR2 Pro (MON87701xMON89788) soybeans, media report. Casem analysed potential causes provoking the drop in sales, including: the lack of flexibility in contractual conditions; Monsanto’s demands on the purchase, marketing and use of Intacta seeds; the amounts provided to users who buy the seed, and particularly restrictions of selected companies to distribute the seeds; and the setting of royalty charges. “They are aspects that are likely to have persuaded many not to buy [the technology],” Casem leader Raul Pagnoni reportedly notes.