Paraguay to approve Monsanto soybean seeds by year end

Paraguay expects to approve Monsanto's genetically modified Roundup Ready 2 soybean seeds in time for the 2012–2013 planting season in October in a bid to expand its presence in the global grains export market.
The country gathered 4.3 million metric tons of soy in the 2011–2012 season, a reduced number due to drought, but expects its yields to increase to 8 million metric tons with the addition of Monsanto's seeds, said Agriculture Ministry trade chief Santiago Bertoni. "With this step we will improve the technology balance between ourselves and other countries, improving our ability to compete," said Bertoni. "The 2013 harvest will include fields planted with these seeds."
Paraguay is currently fourth in global soy exports, behind the U.S., Brazil and Argentina.