Monsanto and many of its licensees are currently commercializing Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ (RR2X) soybeans, a new biotech variety tolerant to both dicamba and glyphosate herbicides. 

Farmers who may have ordered or taken delivery of RR2X seed for this growing season should be mindful of the following considerations as they head to the field this spring.

EU approval not yet obtained

While RR2X soybeans have been approved for import into China and other major U.S. soy export markets, final approval in the European Union EU is expected soon but still pending as of today. 

Some users not accepting RR2X

Because RR2X soybeans still lack import approval into the EU (which is an important export market for U.S. soybeans and soybean meal), many grain elevators, soybean processors, and other first purchasers have issued notices stating they will not accept RR2X if EU approval has not been received by harvest. 

Therefore, farmers should contact their seed dealer/retailer with any questions about delivery of RR2X soybeans or potential exchange for other soybean seed that meets grower needs.

Status of approval in major export markets

While final approval by the EU Commission has been anticipated for the past few months (and is expected before harvest), the OK is not guaranteed. The American Soybean Association (ASA), U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Monsanto and others have been working with both EU and U.S. government officials to press for approval of RR2X and other pending new biotech soybean traits. 

Chinese import approval of RR2X soybeans was obtained in February, and approvals in other major export markets also has been obtained. ASA is continuing to work for final EU approval as soon as possible.

No dicamba use allowed on RR2X soybeans in the 2016 growing season

While RR2X soybeans are tolerant to dicamba and glyphosate herbicides, no dicamba herbicides will be approved for use on RR2X soybeans during the 2016 growing season. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency only recently proposed a draft label for a dicamba product to be used with RR2X soybeans, and this draft label as well as anticipated labels for low-volatility dicamba herbicide formulations will NOT (repeat NOT) be finalized until late this summer or fall. Any use of a dicamba herbicide on RR2X soybeans in-season during 2016 before final labels are approved by EPA and state officials would be a violation of law.