WASHINGTON, updated Oct 27, 2009 - USDA’s Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors recently approved an additional technology, SmartStaxTM, as a qualifying hybrid for the Pilot Biotechnology Endorsement (BE) program, beginning with the 2010 crop year. SmartStaxTM is a multi-event technology developed by the Monsanto Company and Dow AgroSciences LLC.

The Pilot BE reduces premium rates for corn producers who meet program eligibility requirements and plant qualifying hybrids.

The FCIC Board also approved the expansion of the pilot area to include irrigated and non-irrigated corn for grain planted to certain technologies in the state of Colorado and the inclusion of irrigated corn for grain planted to certain technologies in all Pilot BE states.

Other states in the Pilot BE include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Qualifying hybrids vary by state and practice.