The European Commission authorized Bayer’s XtendFlex soybean technology for food, feed, import and processing in the European Union. This genetically modified soybean has gone through a comprehensive authorization procedure, including a favorable scientific assessment by the European Food Safety Authority. The authorization decision does not cover cultivation and is valid for ten years. Any products produced from this genetically modified soybean will be subject to the EU's strict labeling and traceability rules.

With this approval in hand, Bayer can now look forward to a full launch in the United States and Canada in 2021 and expects to be in a strong position to supply 20 million U.S. soy acres when the selling season arrives.

“XtendFlex soybeans will be Bayer’s second major product launch in soybeans in the last five years,” said Lisa Safarian, president of Crop Science North America. “The upcoming launch in 2021 highlights the strength of the Bayer soybean pipeline, as well as the investment that Bayer continues to make in our soybean portfolio and the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System. XtendFlex soybeans are the latest example of Bayer developing innovative products to help farmers meet challenges on their farm.”

XtendFlex soybeans, Bayer’s newest soybean technology, have additional tolerance to glufosinate herbicides. XtendFlex soybeans provide growers with additional flexibility to manage tough-to-control and resistant weeds.