By AP/KWMU
St. Louis – Monsanto is halting plans to develop genetically engineered wheat that would have been able to withstand its popular Roundup weed killer.
The St. Louis-based company had been developing a variety of hard red spring wheat. Now, Monsanto says it will focus instead on development of new and improved traits in corn, cotton and oilseeds.
Monsanto says the decision to drop the biotech wheat came after a portfolio review and dialogue with wheat industry leaders.
Some farm and consumer groups have opposed the genetically engineered wheat, expressing concern that U.S. farmers could lose overseas clients if genetically engineered wheat pollinates with other crops.