The European Union has approved three new biotech soybean traits for import and processing. Monsanto’s U.S. soybean marketing manager Miriam Paris says they include the company’s Vistive Gold high oleic soybeans and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans, with the dicamba tolerant trait. She says for farmers the approval opens the door for more marketing opportunities with more grain outlets this fall.

She says the next key is getting EPA approval of dicamba for in-crop use in Xtend soybeans. Monsanto has successfully completed the comment period and is in the late stages of review by the agency.

Paris says dicamba approval is important as it will give growers an effective solution for managing resistant weeds in soybeans.

Nearly 1 million acres of Xtend soybeans were planted in 2016 due to the superior genetics and proven yield bump. Monsanto officials are estimating 15 million will be planted in 2017.