Q. How does this product compare to other low-linolenic soybeans that have been developed in the past?
A. Vistive low-linolenic soybeans may reduce or eliminate trans fats in many foods that contain soybean oil while still maintaining strong agronomic performance compared with other soybean varieties. Growers don't have to trade off yield and agronomics. In addition, Vistive low-linolenic soybeans contain the Roundup Ready® trait, so growers can have outstanding weed control and all the other benefits offered by this system.
Q. Is low-linolenic a biotech trait?
A. Vistive low-linolenic soybeans were developed from conventional germplasm using the tools of molecular biology to accelerate its development. However, since Roundup Ready soybeans are grown on the vast majority of soybean acres in the U.S., Vistive low-linolenic soybeans incorporate the Roundup Ready trait to provide growers with the economic and weed control benefits of the Roundup Ready System.
Q. Where does the name Vistive come from?
A. Vistive actually has two roots: Vista and Alive. "Vista" suggests forward looking and innovative, while "Alive" conveys the image of healthy and energetic. Vistive reflects those same characteristics as a high-quality, innovative brand that makes it possible to provide healthier oils in processed foods.
Q. What is the regulatory status of Vistive low-linolenic soybeans?
A. Like any product Monsanto introduces, Vistive low-linolenic soybeans meet all applicable regulatory requirements.
Q. What yield are you expecting? Will there be any yield drag?
A. Vistive low-linolenic soybeans were developed to provide strong yields. Growers have indicated that Vistive seed products need to have yields that are comparable to other soybean choices grown on their farms, and they need to contain the Roundup Ready trait. Vistive has both.
Q. If oil made from Vistive low-linolenic soybeans is healthier, does that mean that current soy oil is unhealthy?
A. No. Vistive low-linolenic soybeans represent an enhancement to currently available soybeans in response to demand from food companies.
Q. Has this new oil been tested yet in any food products? If so, what kinds of foods and how did it perform?
A. Yes, it is currently being tested in a variety of food products, and is performing well. Due to confidentiality agreements, however, we cannot be more specific.
Q. Why would a food company prefer low-linolenic soybean oil instead of canola or corn oil?
A. Soybean oil is the food industry's predominant vegetable oil, because of its favorable taste profile, food formulation flexibility and global supply, with more than 18 billion pounds consumed annually. That's why Vistive low-linolenic soybeans could establish a new standard for the performance of food-grade oils.
Q. How does low-linolenic soybean oil compare to interesterified soybean oil?
A. Interesterification is a chemical process. In order to avoid hydrogenation, interesterified oils change the oil refining production process. However, Vistive low-linolenic soybeans provide an improved raw material that reduces or eliminates hydrogenation. In general, low-linolenic soybean oils have proven to be competitive with alternative oils, including interesterified, in terms of cost and quality.
Q. Why do you think low-linolenic soybeans will be successful now?
A. Food producers are looking for ways to reduce trans fats because of growing consumer demand for healthier foods. In addition, the FDA now requires that food labels include information about trans fat content. Low-linolenic soybeans provide food producers a way to reduce or eliminate trans fats.
Q. What are the criteria for selecting growers for Vistive low-linolenic soybeans?
A. Growers that are interested in growing Vistive low-linolenic soybeans should contact their NC+ representative.
Have other questions regarding Vistive soybeans? Contact your local NC+ representative or use this form.
