US-based Monsanto said it was deferring all further efforts to introduce its Roundup Ready wheat after a review of its research portfolio and after consulting customers in the wheat industry.

"We recognize the business opportunities with Roundup Ready spring wheat are less attractive relative to Monsanto's other commercial priorities," said Carl Casale, executive vice president of Monsanto.

"We will continue to monitor the wheat industry's desire for crop improvements, via breeding and biotechnology, to determine if and when it might be practical to move forward with a biotech wheat product," Casale said.

Greenpeace, which had complained genetically engineered (GE) wheat was a threat to the environment and human health, declared victory in its battle against Monsanto.

"This is a victory for the environment, farmers and consumers," said Pat Venditti, Greenpeace Genetic Engineering Campaigner.

"Strong rejection of GE wheat from virtually every corner of the globe once again showed the resistance to GE foods."

The Canadian Wheat board (CWB), which represents the sector from its base in Winnipeg, Manitoba province, also welcomed Monsanto's announcement.

"Western Canadian farmers and their customers in over 70 countries around the world benefit from this announcement," said Ken Ritter, chairman of the CWB's board of directors.

"Farmers overwhelmingly opposed the introduction of Roundup Ready wheat, which offered few agronomic benefits and threatened to destroy premium markets for their product."

Monsanto had argued that genetically engineered wheat could increase yields in spring-planted wheat by between five and 15 percent.

The Canadian government had been debating whether to approve a request by Monsanto to permit genetically engineered wheat, despite polls which show a majority of Canadians oppose the idea.

TERRA.WIRE