Monsanto, Cargill Offer Farmers Incentive For growing Low Linolenic Soy Variety Vistive

Monsanto Co. and Cargill Inc. are trying to persuade farmers in Iowa and elsewhere to grow the Vistive soybean variety.

The two companies began the recruiting effort Tuesday, offering 50 to 60 cents more a bushel for Monsanto's Vistive-brand low linolenic soybeans.

The Vistive soybeans have less trans fatty linolenic acid than normal soybeans, and soy processors need more growers to fulfill demand for healthier soy oil.

The demand has grown since restaurant chains such as McDonald's, KFC and Wendy's have switched to trans-fat-free oil. In addition, 20 states have proposed regulations restricting the use of oils high in trans fats. KFC is a unit of YUM! Brands