2016TUG MONSANTO CANADA TECHNOLOGY USE GUIDE

Transcription

1 2016TUG MONSANTO CANADA TECHNOLOGY USE GUIDE

2 Dear Valued Customer, We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your business. As a company 100% focused on agriculture, we understand that our success depends entirely on your success, and we hope that the upcoming 2016 cropping season is rewarding for you. As part of our ongoing commitment to you, our customer, each year we like to take the opportunity to review technology stewardship principles for crops that contain Monsanto technologies. This allows us to familiarize you with proper management practices to ensure that you get the most out of your crops. The annual update to the terms and conditions for the Technology Stewardship Agreement (TSA) that you have signed with Monsanto is included within the 2016 Technology Use Guide. Some of the highlights you will find contained in the 2016 Technology Use Guide are: Monsanto s Field Check Program a program designed to keep farming fair for everyone Transition of all Monsanto insect protected corn products to RIB Complete (refuge in a bag) to simplify insect resistance management and compliance Information on seed treatment use and protection of pollinators, including new requirements for growers in Ontario using neonicotinoids Information on glyphosate resistance and weed management practices Your TSA requires that you read through the 2016 Technology Use Guide in detail to understand the importance of your role in proper technology stewardship and your obligations when using Monsanto s patented technology in Canada. Monsanto works with farmers around the world to help make agriculture more productive and more sustainable. We believe through the hard work and dedication of farmers, agriculture can help meet global needs. We are committed to doing our part by developing technologies that enable farmers to get more from every acre of farmland. Specifically, we are working to double yields in our core crops of corn, soybeans and spring-planted canola by 2030, compared to a base year of 2000, while reducing inputs and improving farmers lives. These yield gains will come from a combination of advanced plant breeding, biotechnology and improved farm-management practices. Good stewardship practices will help ensure that the technologies we use today continue to be effective and contribute to increased productivity into the future. If you have any questions or comments about Monsanto trait technologies, please contact Monsanto s CustomCare line at Sincerely, Darrel Armstrong Monsanto Canada Inc. Canada Stewardship Lead

3 Introduction This 2016 Technology Use Guide (TUG) provides a concise source of technical information about Monsanto Canada s current portfolio of technology products, and sets forth the requirements and guidelines for the use of these products. As a user of Monsanto technology, it is important that you are familiar with and follow certain management practices. Please read all of the information pertaining to the technology you will be using, including stewardship and related information. Monsanto Canada will from time to time update or add products to the TUG. Monsanto Technology Stewardship Agreement holders will be notified when significant changes occur to allow users to be familiar with the most recent information and required practices. This technical guide is not a pesticide product label. It is intended to provide additional information and to highlight approved uses from certain product labels. Read and follow all precautions and use instructions in the label booklet and separately published supplemental labeling for the Roundup agricultural herbicide product you are using, as well as any other pesticide products. Included in this guide is information on the following: Stewardship Overview 2 Treated Seed Requirements and Best Management Practices 4 Identity Preserved Production 4 General Instructions for Management of Pollen Flow and Mechanical Mixing 5 Coexistence 6 Weed Management 6 Insect Resistance Management 8 Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete Corn 9 Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete Corn 10 Genuity VT Triple PRO RIB Complete Corn 11 Corn with Roundup Ready 2 Technology 12 Performance Series Sweet Corn 14 Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybeans 16 Roundup Ready Soybeans Material Handling 17 Genuity Roundup Ready Canola 18 Genuity Roundup Ready Sugarbeets 19 Terms and Conditions 21 Monsanto Canada 2016 Technology Use Guide 1

4 Stewardship Overview A Message About Stewardship Monsanto Canada, Inc. (Monsanto) is committed to enhancing farmer productivity and profitability through the introduction of new agricultural biotechnology traits and other products. These new technologies bring enhanced value and benefits to farmers and farmers assume responsibilities for proper management of those traits. Farmers planting seed with Monsanto biotech traits and/or seed treatments agree to implement the following stewardship practices, including, but not limited to: Reading, understanding and abiding by the terms of the Technology Stewardship Agreement (TSA) that you have signed. Reviewing updates and abiding by changes to the TSA terms and conditions that are sent to you (a copy is included in this 2016 Technology Use Guide). Ensuring that the seed you have purchased with your TSA is for use on your own farm and not transferred to any other entity for planting. Ensuring that seed containing patented technology is used for planting a single commercial crop. Complying with the applicable Insect Resistance Management (IRM) practices for specific biotech traits as mandated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and set forth in this Technology Use Guide (TUG). Reading and following the directions for use on all product labels and following applicable stewardship practices as outlined in this Technology Use Guide (TUG) and the Canadian Corn Pest Coalition s (CCPC) IRM guide A Farmer s Handbook: Controlling Corn Insect Pests with B.t. Corn Technology, 2nd Edition. Complying with any additional stewardship requirements, such as grain or feed use agreements, product marketing requirements, or geographic planting restrictions that Monsanto deems appropriate or necessary to implement for proper stewardship or regulatory compliance. Following the Herbicide Resistance Management Guidelines to minimize the risk of resistance development. Selling harvested crops or materials containing biotech traits only to countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted, and only to commodity handlers that confirm their acceptance, or using that harvested crop/material as on-farm feed. Not moving material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Not selling, promoting and/or distributing where the product is not yet approved. Recommendations as of 09/15/15. For subsequent updates, refer to or contact your local Monsanto representative. Why is Stewardship Important? Each component of stewardship offers benefits to farmers: Signing a TSA provides farmers with access to Monsanto s germplasm and biotech trait technologies therein, and provides limited warranties on Monsanto Technology performance. Following IRM guidelines guards against insect resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) and other technologies, enabling the long-term durability of these technologies, and meeting Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements. Appropriate stewardship of grain and processed products helps preserve a continuous open export market for Canadian grain products. Proper weed management maintains the long-term effectiveness of weed control solutions. Utilizing biotech seed only for planting a single commercial crop helps preserve the effectiveness of biotech traits, and incents investment for future biotech innovations, which further improves farming technology and productivity. Practicing these stewardship activities will allow biotechnology s positive agricultural contributions to continue. Crop or Material Handling Stewardship Statement The following Excellence Through Stewardship statement applies to Roundup Ready Corn 2, Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete corn, Genuity VT Triple PRO RIB Complete corn, Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete corn, Genuity Roundup Ready Sugarbeets, Genuity Roundup Ready Canola, Performance Series Sweet Corn, and Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybeans: Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. Commercialized products have been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from these products can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Farmers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for commodity crop products. Monsanto Canada 2016 Technology Use Guide 2

5 The Field Check Program Monsanto s Field Check Program aims to keep farming fair for everyone. When a farmer goes against the terms of their TSA, it is unfair to the farmers who honour their agreement with Monsanto. One of the terms of the TSA you have signed allows Monsanto to review your use of patented biotech seed technology for a prescribed period of time after the seed is purchased. Reviews are conducted through our Technology Protection Field Check Program. Monsanto s Field Check Program began in 1997 as a way to help maintain a level playing field for all farmers. Since then, Monsanto has conducted more than 15,000 Field Checks in Canada all in an effort to make sure that farmers who haven t paid for our patented technology are not benefitting unfairly. Information about the Field Check Process Our Field Check representatives are independent third-party professionals who are committed to conducting their checks with the utmost privacy and consideration. The Field Check representatives have been trained to complete your Field Check as conveniently and efficiently as possible. During our visit, the representative will review your receipts of seed and glyphosate purchases, as well as maps of your farmed land. As part of the Field Check, our representative will also take seed, plant and/or bin samples to ensure that your farmed acres are being managed according to the terms of the TSA you have signed. At the end of our Field Check Program, Monsanto will be in touch to review your Field Check results. Monsanto Invests in the Field Check Program for Three Key Reasons: No business can survive without being paid for its product. Monsanto invested more than $1.5 billion last fiscal year researching new tools for farmers. If only some farmers are paying the required technology fees, our ability to invest in research and development to create new products decreases. When a grower decides to go against the terms of his or her Technology Stewardship Agreement by saving and re-using seed, it is unfair to the farmers who choose to honor their agreements with Monsanto. Selection for Field Check Generally, the farmers who are selected to participate in a Field Check have been randomly selected from the group of farmers who have signed a TSA. Sometimes, a Field Check results when Monsanto is provided with information about farmers who are not honouring the terms of their agreement or attempting to benefit unfairly from the use of patented technology. If you become aware of individuals who are utilizing Monsanto s biotech traits in a manner that is not consistent with the terms and conditions of the TSA, you may call Monsanto s CustomCare line at or send a letter to: Monsanto treats any information of this nature as confidential. However, if the information provided becomes the subject of court proceedings, Monsanto would be required to disclose any correspondence that was relevant to the matter. You can choose to provide information about potential violations without revealing your identity or your location so as to remain anonymous Results In 2015, 25 Field Check representatives conducted Field Check visits with randomly selected customers across Canada. We found that the vast majority of our customers were following the terms and conditions of the Technology Stewardship Agreement they signed. We have thanked those farmers for their participation and compliance. Non-Compliance Unfortunately, we did find some instances of non-compliance with the TSA in the 2015 Field Check Program. Key examples include: Farmers who refused to cooperate with the Field Check Program In these cases, we allow the farmer customer another chance to cooperate, failing which we take steps to terminate their TSA. A termination means this customer no longer has access to Monsanto s patented technology in any crop. In the few instances where we have had to terminate the TSA, we have notified individual retailers so they can ensure there are no future sales to this farm entity. Seed containing Monsanto s patented technology had been delivered to farmers who had not signed a TSA Any purchase and possession of seed containing Monsanto s patented technology requires an executed Technology Stewardship Agreement. Unfortunately we also discovered a small number of farmers who were engaging in seed piracy by using saved seed on their farms. These farmers acknowledged immediately that planting saved seed was wrong. Some of these matters arose from randomly selected files and others resulted from anonymous tips. In these cases, cash payments were made by the farmers to take the crops to harvest. Monsanto has made the public commitment that it will never profit because of a bad decision made by a customer. Every dollar that has been collected from a seed piracy settlement supplements Monsanto Canada s existing corporate giving program that provides funds to charitable programs that benefit rural residents and rural communities across Canada. Intellectual Property Protection 900 One Research Road Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 6E3 Monsanto Canada 2016 Technology Use Guide 3

6 Stewardship Overview CONT. An Important Note About Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybean Technology Just as the seed and traits offered to farmers has continued to evolve and offer more benefits, Monsanto and its partners have developed new technology to detect these traits. An example is Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybean technology, which is a newer technology and is covered by a different set of patents than first-generation Roundup Ready soybeans. As a result, changes that affected the use of original Roundup Ready technology when its patent expired do not apply to Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans. Although both technologies provide tolerance to glyphosate and may appear similar in the field, the traits have different molecular signatures. Monsanto and EnviroLogix, a leader in the development and manufacture of immunoassay test kits, have developed a field-friendly test to detect the Roundup Ready 2 Yield trait in soybeans. The test is capable of providing accurate detections in less than 20 minutes, and is being widely used by Field Check representatives supporting Monsanto s Technology Protection Field Check Program. This is how Monsanto uses testing to continue to ensure farming is fair for everyone. Treated Seed Requirements and Best Management Practices Seed Treatment Technology Innovative seed treatment technology is an effective means of crop protection. Treated seed can maximize stand establishment and plant health to aid in the performance potential of crops, and can reduce the number of spray applications of insecticides to support a sustainable means of crop production. Farmers must follow all seed treatment label, bag and tag requirements. If a farmer chooses to use a seed flow lubricant to aid in planting, the Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) requires that only a dust-reducing fluency agent is used. If used, carefully follow use directions for seed flow lubricant. Below are some recommended best management practices regarding the handling and planting of treated seeds to reduce exposure and potential risks to people, pollinators (bees), and the environment. Best Management Practices When opening seed bags or containers, avoid spilling treated seeds and spreading dust from the treated seeds. Spilled or exposed seed and dust must be incorporated into the soil or cleaned up from the soil surface. Communicate with known neighbouring beekeepers about potential planting times or pesticide applications so they can move or confine their bees during those times. Avoid spreading dust when planting treated seed, particularly by cleaning planters and seed containers, and directing planter exhaust away from areas bees maybe present. For additional information to help minimize the dust generated during planting, refer to the Health Canada webpage on pollinator protection at or the CropLife Canada website at New Requirements for Ontario for 2016 Corn and soybean growers in Ontario who intend to plant more than 50% of total area with neonicotinoid insecticide treated seed in 2016 will have to complete a soil inspection assessment report and participate in IPM training. For further details on the new Ontario neonicotinoid regulation refer to neonicotinoid-regulations. Monsanto BioAg Products Monsanto BioAg products offer leading biological solutions for agriculture. For more information, talk to your local retailer or discover more at monsantobioag.com. Honey Bee Health Information From time to time claims circulate that insect protected GMO crops harm bees. The insecticidal proteins produced by the currently available insect protected crops are derived from a common soil bacterium and Monsanto screens all of the proteins we use for toxicity to honey bees. None of the proteins have provided any evidence of harm in either short or long term testing with both adult and larval honey bees. Likewise, there are no credible reports of harm caused by insect protected GMO crops on honey bees. In recent years, overwinter losses of honey bee colonies have increased significantly. There are many possible causes but parasites such as the Varroa mite, diseases, the pesticides used to control mites and diseases, poor nutrition, transportation stress and pesticides including neonicotinoid insecticides are often cited. Monsanto Company has many efforts underway to improve honey bee health: Our Honey Bee Advisory Council helps guide our honey bee health research and development efforts; We are developing new, targeted treatments for Varroa mites and viruses; We established a robust seed treatment insecticide stewardship plan to manage risks to beneficial insects such as bees; We support collaborations with all levels of the honey bee industry, public and university researchers, pollinator dependent agriculture and canola, corn and soybean growers to identify ways to improve honey bee health. Identity Preserved Production Some farmers may choose to preserve the identity of their crops to meet specific markets. Examples of Identity Preservation (IP) crops include production of seed, white, waxy, or sweet corn, specialty oil or protein crops, food grade crops, and any other crop that meets specialty needs, including organic and non-genetically enhanced specifications. Farmers of these crops assume the responsibility and Monsanto Canada 2016 Technology Use Guide 4

7 receive the benefit for ensuring that their crop meets mutually agreed-upon contract specifications. Based on historical experience with a broad range of IP crops, the industry has developed generally accepted IP agricultural practices. These practices are intended to manage IP production to meet quality specifications, and are established for a broad range of IP needs. The accepted practice with IP crops is that each IP farmer has a responsibility to implement any necessary processes. These processes may include sourcing seed appropriate for IP specifications, field management practices such as adequate isolation distances, buffers between crops, border rows, planned differences in maturity between adjacent fields that might cross-pollinate, and harvest and handling practices designed to prevent mixing and to maintain product integrity and quality. These extra steps associated with IP crop production are generally accompanied by incremental increases in cost of production and consequently of the goods sold. General Instructions for Management of Pollen Flow and Mechanical Mixing For all crop hybrids or varieties that farmers wish to identity preserve, or otherwise keep separated, they should take steps to prevent mechanical mixing. Farmers should make sure all seed storage areas, transportation vehicles, and planter boxes are cleaned thoroughly both prior to and subsequent to the storage, transportation, or planting of the crop. Farmers should also make sure all combines, harvesters, and transportation vehicles used at harvest are cleaned thoroughly both prior to and subsequent to their use in connection with the harvest of the material produced from the crop. Farmers should also make sure all harvested material is stored in clean storage areas where the identity of the material can be preserved. Self-pollinated crops, such as soybeans, do not present a risk of mixing by cross-pollination. If the intent is to use or market the product of a self-pollinated crop separately from general commodity use, farmers should plant fields at a sufficient distance away from other crops to prevent mechanical mixture during harvest. Farmers planting cross-pollinated crops, such as corn, alfalfa, or canola, who desire to preserve the identity of these crops or to minimize the potential for these crops to outcross with adjacent fields of the same crop kind, should use the same generally accepted practices to manage mixing that are used in any of the currently grown identity-preserved crops of similar crop kind. It is generally recognized in the industry that a certain amount of incidental, trace level pollen movement occurs, and it is not possible to achieve 100% purity of seed or grain in any crop production system. A number of factors can influence the occurrence and extent of pollen movement. As stewards of technology, farmers are expected to consider these factors and talk with their neighbours about their cropping intentions. Farmers should take into account the following factors that can affect the occurrence and extent of cross-pollination to or from other fields. Information that is more specific to the crop and region may be available from provincial extension offices. Cross-pollination varies by crop type. Some plants are incapable of cross-pollinating; while others like alfalfa require cross-pollination to produce seed. Importantly, cross-pollination only occurs within the same crop kind, like corn to corn. The amount of pollen produced within the field can vary. The pollen produced by the crop within a given field, known as pollen load, is typically high enough to pollinate all of the plants in the field. Therefore, most of the pollen that may enter from other fields falls on plants that have already been pollinated with pollen that originated from plants within the field. In crops such as alfalfa, the hay cutting management schedule significantly limits or eliminates bloom, and thereby restricts the potential for pollen and/or viable seed formation. The existence and/or degree of overlap in the pollination period of crops in adjacent fields varies. This will vary depending on the maturity of crops, planting dates, and the weather. For corn, the typical pollen shed period lasts from 5 to 10 days for a particular field. Therefore, viable pollen from neighboring fields must be present when silks are receptive in the recipient field during this brief period to produce any grain with traits introduced by the out-of-field pollen. Distance between fields of different varieties or hybrids of the same crop. The greater the distance between fields the less likely their pollen will remain viable and have an opportunity to mix and produce an outcross. For wind-pollinated crops, most crosspollination occurs within the outer-most few rows of the field. In fact, many white and waxy corn production contracts ask the grower to remove the outer 12 rows (10 m) of the field in order to remove most of the impurities that could result from crosspollination with nearby yellow dent corn. Furthermore, research has also shown that as fields become further separated, the incidence of wind modulated cross-pollination drops rapidly. Essentially, the in-field pollen has an advantage over the pollen coming from other fields because of its volume and proximity. The distance pollen moves. How far pollen can travel depends on many environmental factors including weather during pollination, especially wind direction and velocity, temperature, and humidity. For bee pollinated crops, the farmer s choice of pollinator species and apiary management practice may reduce field-to-field pollination potential. All these factors will vary from season to season and some factors from day to day and from location to location. For wind-pollinated crops, the orientation and width of the adjacent field in relation to the dominant wind direction. Fields oriented upwind during pollination will show dramatically lower cross-pollination for wind-pollinated crops, like corn, compared to fields located downwind. It is important to understand the potential for pollen movement for a given crop and production system, in order to deliver a product that meets market specifications. Although the chance of significant pollen movement between nearby crops is typically very small for the reasons stated above, farmers need to be aware of the possible consequences of such movement when making their planting decisions. Monsanto Canada 2016 Technology Use Guide 5

8 Stewardship Overview CONT. Coexistence Coexistence in agricultural production systems and supply chains is well established and well understood. Different agricultural systems have coexisted successfully for many years around the world. Standards and best practices were established decades ago and have continually evolved to deliver high purity seed and grain to support production, distribution, and trade of products from different agricultural systems. For example, production of similar commodities such as field corn, sweet corn, and popcorn has occurred successfully and in close proximity for many years. Another example is the successful coexistence of canola varieties with low erucic acid content for food use and rapeseed varieties with high erucic acid content for industrial uses. The introduction of biotech crops generated renewed discussion of coexistence of biotech cropping systems with conventional cropping systems and organic production. These discussions have focused on the potential marketing impact of the introduction of biotech products on other systems. The health and safety of biotech products are not an issue because their food, feed, and environmental safety are demonstrated before they are allowed to enter the agricultural production system and supply chain. The coexistence of conventional, organic, and biotech crops has been the subject of several studies and reports. These reports conclude that coexistence among biotech and non-biotech crops is readily achievable and is occurring. They recommend that coexistence strategies be developed on a case-by-case basis considering the diversity of products currently in the market and under development, the agronomic and biological differences in the crops themselves, and variations in regional farming practices and infrastructure. Any coexistence strategy is designed to meet market requirements and should be developed using current science-based industry standards and management practices. These strategies must be flexible, facilitate options and choice for the farmer and the food and feed supply chain, and must be capable of being modified as changes in markets and products warrant. Successful coexistence of all agricultural systems depends on communication, cooperation, flexibility, and mutual respect for each system among farmers. Agriculture has a history of innovation and change, and farmers have always adapted to new approaches or challenges by utilizing appropriate strategies, farm management practices, and new technologies. The responsibility for implementing practices to satisfy specific marketing standards or certification lies with the farmer who is growing a crop to satisfy a particular market. That farmer is inherently agreeing to employ those practices appropriate to ensure the integrity and marketability of his or her crop. This is true whether the goal is high-oil corn, white or sweet corn, or organically produced yellow corn for animal feed. In each case, the farmer is seeking to produce a crop that is supported by a special market price and consequently assumes responsibility for satisfying market specifications to receive that premium. That said, each farmer needs to be aware of the planting intentions of his or her neighbour in order to gauge the need for appropriate best management practices. CropLife Canada has produced an information brochure for farmers that provides a set of best practices for ensuring coexistence of different production systems Cultivating Coexistence: A Best Practices Management Guide. For a copy of this brochure, please contact Monsanto s CustomCare line at Weed Management Monsanto believes product stewardship to be a fundamental component of customer service and responsible business practices. Monsanto is committed to the proper use and long-term effectiveness of its proprietary herbicide brands through a four-part stewardship program: developing appropriate weed control recommendations; continuing research to refine and update recommendations; education on the importance of effective weed management; and responding to weed control inquiries through a product performance evaluation program. As leaders in the development and stewardship of Roundup agricultural herbicides and other products, Monsanto invests significantly in research done in conjunction with academic scientists, extension specialists, and crop consultants, that includes an evaluation of the factors that can contribute to the development of weed resistance and how to properly manage weeds to delay the selection of weed resistance. Visit for practical, best practices-based information on reducing the risk for development of glyphosate-resistant weeds and for managing the risk on a field-by-field basis. Tank-Mixtures and Surfactant Use with Glyphosate Products in Roundup Ready Crops Tank-mixtures of Roundup WeatherMAX or Roundup Transorb HC with insecticides, fungicides, micronutrients or foliar fertilizers are not recommended as they may result in reduced weed control, crop injury, reduced pest control or antagonism. Refer to the product label, supplemental labeling or fact sheets published separately by Monsanto for the Roundup agricultural herbicides tank-mix recommendations. The addition of surfactants or additives containing surfactants to glyphosate spray solutions may increase the potential for crop injury. When using Roundup WeatherMAX or Roundup Transorb HC herbicides, NO additional surfactant is needed for optimal performance for applications in Roundup Ready crops. Group Number Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup agricultural herbicides, is a Group 9 herbicide based on the mode of action classification system of the Weed Science Society of America. Any weed population may contain plants naturally resistant to Group 9 herbicides. Such resistant weed plants may not be effectively managed using Group 9 herbicides, but may be effectively managed utilizing another herbicide alone or in mixtures from a different Group and/or by using cultural or mechanical practices. However, a herbicide mechanism of action classification by itself may not adequately address specific weeds that are resistant to specific herbicides. Consult your local company representative, provincial extension service, professional consultants or other qualified authorities to determine appropriate actions for treating specific resistant weeds. Monsanto Canada 2016 Technology Use Guide 6

9 Weed Management Guidelines Proactively implementing diversified weed control strategies to help minimize selection for weed populations resistant to one or more herbicides is recommended. A diversified weed management program may include the use of multiple herbicides with different mechanisms of action and overlapping weed spectrums with or without tillage operations and/or other cultural practices. Research has demonstrated that using the labeled rate and following label use directions is important to delay the selection for resistance. Scouting after a herbicide application is important because it can facilitate the early identification of weed shifts and/or weed resistance and thus provide direction on future weed management practices. One of the best ways to contain resistant populations is to implement measures to avoid allowing weeds to reproduce by seed or to proliferate vegetatively. Cleaning equipment between sites and avoiding movement of plant material between sites will greatly aid in reducing the spread of weed seed. In Roundup Ready cropping systems it is also important to start with a clean field, using either a burndown tank mix with glyphosate, foundation residual herbicide application and/or tillage, and to optimize glyphosate performance by controlling weeds early when they are small and actively growing. In summary, Start with a clean field, free of weeds Use a diverse set of weed control tools, including broad spectrum residual herbicides or mixtures that use different mechanisms of action Add other products, at the right rate and timing for the weed, to Roundup agricultural herbicides when needed Control weed escapes and remove weeds before they set seed Always target small weeds less than 10 cm (4 inch) Monsanto s Roundup Ready Weed Management Solutions platform is based upon the principle of farmers implementing diversified weed management programs in Roundup Ready crops as described above. It is composed of recommendations that represent Monsanto s commitment to stewarding weed resistance to glyphosate and other herbicides in Roundup Ready crops. For more information visit Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds Monsanto actively investigates and studies weed control complaints and claims of weed resistance. When glyphosate-resistant weed biotypes are confirmed, Monsanto provides recommended control measures, which may include additional herbicides, tank-mixes or cultural practices. Monsanto actively communicates all of this information to farmers through multiple channels, including the herbicide label, supplemental labeling, this TUG, media and written communications, Monsanto s website, and farmer meetings. Farmers must be aware of, and proactively manage for, glyphosateresistant weeds in planning their weed control program. If a weed is known to be resistant to glyphosate, then a resistant population of that weed is by definition no longer controlled with labeled rates of glyphosate. Roundup agricultural herbicides are not warranted to cover the failure to control glyphosate-resistant weed populations. Glyphosate-resistant biotypes of giant ragweed, common ragweed, Canada fleabane and waterhemp have been confirmed in fields in southwestern Ontario. In the southern/central prairies of western Canada glyphosate-resistant biotypes of kochia have been confirmed. Farmers concerned about the potential presence of glyphosateresistant weeds in their fields should visit or contact Monsanto s CustomCare line at for current recommended management practices. Report any incidence of repeated non-performance on a particular weed to the local Monsanto representative, retailer, or Monsanto s CustomCare line at Commitment to Steward Insect-Protected Traits Monsanto is committed to the success of our grower customers by providing practical, flexible and cost-effective solutions that address on-farm challenges, contribute to grower choice and provide economic benefits to our customers. To ensure insect-protected B.t. traits remain a viable tool for growers, we are committed to ongoing conversations with the corn industry on the following IRM efforts to establish the most comprehensive approach to the stewardship of corn insectprotected traits. Monsanto s ongoing IRM efforts: Continually working to increase overall awareness of the need for, and adoption of, strong IRM programs through our Monsanto seed dealers, as well as the academic community. Carefully evaluating the need for and practicality of updating our Best Management Practicds (BMPs) or agronomic recommendations as new scientific data becomes available. Updates may include information tailored to local growing conditions, refuge compliance, scouting techniques, the addition of soil-applied insecticides, maturity and harvest schedules, soil management practices, crop rotation, and adoption of products with multiple mechanisms of action. Expanding our offering of multi-gene corn hybrids that provide dual mechanisms of action and increase protection for growers. We encourage growers to begin trying these seeds with greater protection as the product line expands in their area. Researching and developing other genes in our pipeline so that we can continue to deliver products with new and increased mechanisms of action. Continuing multi-year, wide-scale monitoring of insect populations through the Canadian Corn Pest Coalition (CCPC), a consortium of agricultural biotechnology companies, academics, extension and regulators. Actively investigating claims of insect resistance. Conducting thorough, generational studies on sample insect populations as appropriate to determine if stable and inherited resistance is present. Monitor and study if performance issues are identified in fields with very high insect population densities that exceed control thresholds. Monsanto Canada 2016 Technology Use Guide 7

10 Stewardship Overview CONT. Establishing Healthy Pollinator Habitat Pollinators are essential to agricultural systems. By providing highquality habitat for pollinators such as bees and monarch butterflies, you provide benefits to your farm by increasing the diversity of pollinators in your area and improving soil health. All of these benefits add up to a productive and sustainable farmscape. Consider establishing a diverse habitat that has a mixture of wildflowers, milkweed and other beneficial plants to supply nutrition and breeding areas for a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies and birds. Plant this habitat in sites such as field borders, pivot corners, conservation lands, ditches, and buffers. Every region is different. To get started, visit or reach out to your local ag extension office. Insect Resistance Management (IRM) An effective Insect Resistance Management (IRM) program is a vital part of responsible product stewardship for insectprotected biotech products. Monsanto is committed to implementing an effective IRM program for all of its insect-protected B.t. technologies in all countries where they are commercialized, including promoting farmer awareness of these IRM programs. Such programs strike a balance among available knowledge, practicality, and farmer acceptance and implementation of the plan. In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requires that Monsanto, and farmers who purchase insect-protected B.t. technologies, implement an IRM plan. The IRM programs are based upon an assessment of the biology of the major target pests, farmer needs and practices, and appropriate pest management practices. These mandatory regulatory programs have been developed and updated through broad cooperation with stakeholders, as represented by the Canadian Corn Pest Coalition (CCPC). More information on CCPC can be found at These programs contain several important elements. One key component of an IRM plan is a refuge. A refuge is simply a portion of the relevant crop that does not contain a B.t. technology for the insect pests targeted by the planted biotechnologies. The lack of exposure to B.t. proteins allows susceptible insects emerging from the refuge to mate with the rare resistant insects that may emerge from the B.t. crop. Susceptibility to B.t. technology would then be passed on to their offspring, helping to preserve the long-term effectiveness of B.t. technologies. Failure to follow IRM guidelines and properly plant a refuge may result in the loss of a farmer s access to Monsanto technologies. Monsanto Canada is committed to the preservation of these technologies. Please do your part to ensure that insect-protected B.t. technologies are preserved by implementing the correct IRM plan on your farm. Monitoring Program Farmers should carefully monitor fields for all pests to determine the need for remedial insecticide treatments. For target pests, scouting techniques and supplemental treatment decisions should take into account the fact that larvae must hatch and feed before they can be affected by the B.t. protein(s). Fields should be scouted regularly, following periods of heavy or sustained egg laying, especially during bloom, to determine if significant larval survival has occurred. Should you observe that other farmers are not implementing IRM requirements for B.t. insect-protected corn, please contact Monsanto s CustomCare line at to notify us of such occurrences so that we can investigate. You may remain anonymous. Multiple-Phase Approach to Insect Resistance Management for Corn Products Adding a refuge to corn production programs is a requirement for resistance management. For the most effective results, researchers recommend a multiple phase approach. Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to preserve the natural enemies of corn borer, corn rootworm, and other insect pests. Natural predators such as lady beetles and ground beetles can help reduce corn borer and corn rootworm larval populations. Insect protection technology aids IPM because it affects only specific insect pests and allows the survival of beneficial insects. When appropriate, rotate corn production with non-host crops such as soybeans or wheat. For corn fields that have a history of high corn rootworm populations or have had corn on corn rotations for more than 3 years, farmers are instructed to use a soil-applied insecticide with Genuity VT Triple PRO to manage corn rootworm larvae as part of their overall Integrated Pest Management. Refuge may not be treated for adult rootworm control. Farmers should monitor their Genuity technology corn fields for targeted insect pests and contact their local Monsanto representative, retailer, or Monsanto s CustomCare line at if they observe any unusual performance problems. Farmers who purchase corn products that are not designated as RIB Complete are required to plant a refuge that is appropriate for that product. Monsanto Canada 2016 Technology Use Guide 8

11 Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete corn contains the most advanced, all-in-one technology that provides protection against a broad spectrum of above and below ground insects and weeds. Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete hybrids contain Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) proteins that provide three separate modes of action for protection against lepidopteran, above ground insect pests, as well as combined modes of action for protection against coleopteran, below ground insect pests. Providing several different B.t. proteins with different modes of action for control will significantly decrease the probability that insects will become resistant to these traits, resulting in enhanced durability of transgenic insect control via B.t.-protected corn products. Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete corn contains Roundup Ready 2 Technology and LibertyLink herbicide tolerance for weed control. This trait allows a farmer to experience the benefits of the broadest weed control spectrum available, along with application flexibility and excellent crop safety. There are no requirements for a structured refuge for Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete products. The refuge seed of Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete products is contained in the bag, resulting in a refuge configuration that is interspersed within the field. The interspersed refuge can only be used by planting seed corn specifically generated by qualified seed producers/conditioners licensed by Monsanto. The seed producers/conditioners licensed by Monsanto must ensure a minimum of 5% non-b.t. refuge seed is included with Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete products in each bag of seed corn. Insect Control Ingredients Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete hybrids contain B.t. Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, Cry1F, Cry3Bb1, and Cry34/35Ab1 proteins and the genetic materials (PV-ZMIR245, PV- ZMIR39, PHP8999, PHP17662) necessary for their production in field corn containing MON _ TC1507 _ MON _ DAS This product provides protection against European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), northern corn rootworm (Diabrotica barberi), western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), western bean cutworm (Richia albicosta), and black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilion). Genuity SmartStax technology is available in hybrids offered by a variety of seed brands. Recommended Management Practices Hybrids containing Roundup Ready 2 Technology are tolerant to Roundup agricultural herbicides. As part of the IRM plan for Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete corn, experts recommend that farmers incorporate crop rotations (out of corn) and, when appropriate, use of insecticides into their IRM plan to minimize selection of resistant populations. Farmers should monitor their Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete corn fields for targeted insect pests and contact their local Monsanto representative, retailer, or Monsanto s Custom- Care line at if they observe any unusual performance problems. The refuge incorporated into a bag of a RIB Complete hybrid only provides refuge to the area planted by that bag. If planting other insect-protected hybrids that are not RIB Complete products, those hybrids will require their own refuge as specified by the technology provider which may include a structured refuge or incorporate a manufacturer blended refuge. Always read and understand manufacturer s refuge requirements for insect protected hybrids prior to planting. Monsanto Canada 2016 Technology Use Guide 9

12 Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete corn contains advanced technology that provides protection against a broad spectrum of above ground insects and weeds. Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete hybrids contain B.t. proteins that provide two separate modes of action for protection against of lepidopteran, above ground insect pests. Providing two different B.t. proteins with different modes of action for protection against above-ground insects will significantly decrease the probability that insects will become resistant to these traits, resulting in enhanced durability of transgenic insect control via B.t.-protected corn products. Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete corn also contains Roundup Ready 2 Technology. This trait allows a farmer to experience the benefits of utilizing Roundup agricultural herbicides in a weed control system that provides a broad weed control spectrum, along with application flexibility, and excellent crop safety. There are no requirements for a structured refuge for Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete products. The refuge seed of Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete products is contained in the bag resulting in a refuge configuration that is interspersed within the field. The interspersed refuge can only be used by planting seed corn specifically generated by qualified seed producers/conditioners licensed by Monsanto. The seed producers/conditioners licensed by Monsanto must ensure a minimum of 5% non-b.t. refuge seed is included with Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete products in each bag of seed corn. Insect Control Ingredients Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete hybrids contain B.t. Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2, proteins and the genetic materials (PV-ZMIR245) necessary for their production in field corn containing MON This product provides protection against European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea). Genuity VT Double PRO technology is available in hybrids offered by a variety of seed brands. Recommended Management Practices Hybrids containing Roundup Ready 2 Technology are tolerant to Roundup agricultural herbicides. Farmers should monitor their Genuity VT Double PRO RIB Complete corn fields for targeted insect pests and contact their local Monsanto representative, retailer, or Monsanto s CustomCare line at if they observe any unusual performance problems. The refuge incorporated into a bag of a RIB Complete hybrid only provides refuge to the area planted by that bag. If planting other insect-protected hybrids that are not RIB Complete products, those hybrids will require their own refuge as specified by the technology provider which may include a structured refuge or incorporate a manufacturer blended refuge. Always read and understand manufacturer s refuge requirements for insect protected hybrids prior to planting. Monsanto Canada 2016 Technology Use Guide 10