Genetically Engineered

Monsanto Tomato Wins Approval

October 12, 1995

WASHINGTON — Monsanto Co. has gained Agriculture Department approval to sell a tomato that is genetically engineered to delay ripening.

The tomato is one of several genetically engineered products from the St. Louis-based company, which developed a hormone that causes cows to produce more milk. Earlier this year, Monsanto received approval to grow and sell a potato that produces its own version of a naturally occurring pesticide.

Monsanto also won approval of a soybean that tolerates its Roundup herbicide and is awaiting Environmental Protection Agency approval of a cotton that produces its own pesticide.

Monsanto has positioned itself to introduce the tomato to consumers. Three delayed-ripening or delayed-softening tomatoes have been approved. Delayed ripening means the tomatoes can stay on the vine longer. Delayed softening means they will last longer before turning to mush.

The original genetically engineered tomato was the Flavr-Savr delayed-softening tomato, developed by Calgene Inc., of Davis, Calif. In June, Monsanto announced it would acquire nearly half of Calgene. Monsanto also owns most of Gargiulo L.P. of Naples, Fla., the country's largest grower and shipper of tomatoes.