Thousands of hectares of Monsanto maize cultivars failed to pollinate this planting season, leaving farmers with tons of seedless cobs.
It’s speculated as much as 40 000ha planted to Monsanto maize cultivars in the summer-grain production region had failed to pollinate, or suffered from reduced pollination.
Monsanto confirmed some South African growers who planted DKC78-45BR, DKC78-35R and DKC77-71R hybrids, during the 2008/09 planting season have observed reduced pollination.
Grain SA’s senior economist for market research Nico Hawkins confirmed the problem, and said Grain SA is investigating it in conjunction with Monsanto.
“It’s difficult to quantify the full extent of the problem before the official investigation is complete,” warned Hawkins. “However, we’re in constant communication with Monsanto and have received the company’s full cooperation so far.”
Area director for Monsanto Kobus Lindeque said Monsanto takes the quality and integrity of its products very seriously.
“There might be a number of potential causes for pollination variations and it’s too early to speculate what the causes may be. We’re conducting a comprehensive review,” said Lindeque.
“Monsanto personnel, both local and international, are currently visiting all farmers who bought the above-mentioned hybrids during the 2008/09 planting season.”
Contact Monsanto
Via a letter, Monsanto has also asked that all affected farmers contact them over the pollination variations or other unexpected results.
“We’ve enclosed an observation report form and request that producers kindly complete and return it to us to enable us to investigate the matter properly,” the letter reads.
Lindeque invited affected farmers to contact the company as soon as possible so the complaints could be investigated before crops are harvested.
He said this will give Monsanto an opportunity to properly assess the possible causes and decide on ways forward. All reports will be followed up and attended to with great care.
“Monsanto views product stewardship as very important and is committed to addressing these reports in support of our products,” he said. “We will work together with our customers to investigate the matter properly.” – Annelie Coleman
Monsanto has established a complaint hotline for affected farmers. Contact them on (011) 790 8201, or e-mail [email protected].
