Print This PageSoybean Farmers Help Provide Solution to Trans Fats
Consumers want heart-healthy diets. New York City’s recent ban on the use of trans-fatty acids (trans fats) in restaurants demonstrates the role the food-service industry plays in serving up healthy foods. Other cities are also considering such bans, and several food companies and restaurant chains have been proactive in making the transition to trans-fat-free products. Soybean growers are now feeding this growing demand by planting Monsanto's VISTIVE™ low-linolenic soybeans, which can reduce or eliminate trans fats in processed soybean oil.
Healthier Snacks and Fast Foods
As a result of the US FDA mandate that food labels show trans fat levels by January
2006, major food manufacturers have taken steps to reduce or eliminate trans fats
from their consumer products. Kellogg Company was one of the first food manufacturers
to announce the use VISTIVE low-linolenic soybean oil. Read the Kellogg press release here.
Of course, the restaurant industry is also busy making the switch. Click here for Monsanto's response to the KFC announcement on its decision to use low linolenic soybean cooking oil to reduce trans fatty acids in many of its fried foods. Business Week recently examined KFC's decision to turn to VISTIVE in a piece called How KFC Went Trans-Fat Free.
Demand vs. Supply
In March 2006, Monsanto announced several new initiatives for soybean farmers, including preferred access to VISTIVE soybeans. On Jan. 25, 2007, Monsanto announced that premiums for farmers harvesting VISTIVE will nearly double. Some farmers hope to profit from the growing demand while at the same time help to bring healthier food to America’s tables. An Indiana farmer recently pointed out that "local farmers are providing solutions to the nation's demand for healthier oil."
The increasing demand for more acreage of VISTIVE soybeans is causing some to wonder whether supply can keep up. The New York Times recently published a story about Monsanto’s efforts to persuade farmers to switch to VISTIVE. Gary Truitt from Hoosier Ag Today and a food producer discuss VISTIVE B2B supply issues. Click here to listen to the audio file.
Major soybean processor AGP announced plans to expand VISTIVE processing to six of its nine soybean processing plants in 2007. Monsanto announced on Aug. 30 that Vistive soybean seed would be more broadly available in 2007 through additional seed brands and more processing facilities.
