Minnesotans in the agriculture industry had mixed reactions to the news that Monsanto is shelving plans for genetically modified wheat that would have been grown mostly in the Upper Midwest.

Dave Torgerson, president of the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers, said most of Minnesota’s wheat farmers were disappointed by the decision, which was announced Monday.

“Within Minnesota, our growers understand and believe that biotechnology is important for our future,” said Torgerson, citing earlier surveys of his 900-member farmer association.

Anti-biotech groups such as Greenpeace claimed victory with St. Louis-based Monsanto’s announcement that it was stopping efforts to commercialize the first genetically modified wheat in the world, which would be resistant to the company’s own herbicide, Roundup.

Monsanto said it is realigning its research and development investments to corn, cotton, and oilseeds.

The company said it is deferring all further efforts to introduce Roundup Ready wheat until other wheat biotechnology traits are introduced.

Associated Press