Bolivia has approved the domestic cultivation of Bayer's herbicide tolerant and insect resistant MON 87701 x MON 89788 (Intacta RR2 PRO) genetically modified (GM) soybean. The trait stack in the transgenic soybean confers tolerance to the herbicides glyphosate and resistance to specific lepidopteran pests by producing the Cry1Ac protein. Recent intense droughts and a limited supply of imported diesel fuel for farm equipment have disrupted soybean production in Bolivia, and the new approval is aimed to increase productivity and crop resilience, and generate additional exports for the country.

The timing of this authorisation allows for the new soybean variety to be planted in the next growing season across several key soybean-producing municipalities in Santa Cruz, including Cuatro Cañadas, San Julián, San Pedro, Colonia Piraí, Warnes, Lagunillas, Gutiérrez, Ramírez, Bailón, and San José de Chiquitos.