No GM wheat here: Monsanto

The Australian branch of agricultural biotechnology giant Monsanto today refuted reports that its herbicide resistant genetically modified wheat seed was taking longer than expected to gain approval in the US.

A company spokesperson said that Monsanto had always expected that the approval process would be completed during the period 2003-05. The company is also planning to file for approval in Canada, Japan and Europe during this period.

But Monsanto has no intention of marketing its Roundup Ready wheat product in Australia.

"There is a different wheat growing system in Australia," said Monsanto's public affairs manager Brian Arnst, adding that Monsanto is focussing its GM wheat efforts on the North American market and has no plans for Australia at all.