Monsanto to pay up for pollination failures

Grain SA is satisfied with the process of determining compensation so far for damages from three Monsanto maize cultivars which failed to pollinate properly. At the Grain SA 2009 congress Monsanto’s regional director for South Africa Kobus Lindeque announced farmers will be compensated for losses.
In the summer grain-production areas some 80 000ha were planted to three Monsanto cultivars which encountered pollination problems, DKC78-35R, DKC78-45BR and DKC77-71R.
Pottie Potgieter, chairperson of Grain SA’s production input specialist working group, said the organisation is impressed with the wide consultations taking place.
As yet scientists could not determine what caused the failure to pollinate properly. “Nevertheless as grain producers, we are impressed by Monsanto’s positive attitude and trust the practicalities will be ironed out soon,” said Potgieter. – Annelie Coleman