DES MOINES, IOWA, U.S. — Perdue AgriBusiness on Nov. 18 said in 2014 it will more than double the acreage contracted for Plenish high-oleic soybeans from DuPont Pioneer. The soybeans are used to produce high-oleic soybean oil without partial hydrogenation. Earlier this month Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) said it would double the acreage contracted for Plenish soybeans in 2014. 

The food industry soon may need more supply of such alternative oils. The Food and Drug Administration in the Nov. 8 Federal Register proposed a rule that would ban partially hydrogenated vegetable oil in products, because it causes artificial trans fat.

Perdue Agribusiness will contract for Plenish soybeans in a region near its soybean crush facility in Salisbury, Maryland, U.S. The company intends to market the high-oleic soybean oil for use by the food industry in 2015.

“We’re always looking for ways to bring new market opportunities to our grower customers,” said John Ade, senior vice-president for Perdue AgriBusiness. “By working with DuPont Pioneer on the production of Plenish high-oleic soybeans on the Eastern Shore, we’re hoping to generate additional profit opportunities and long-term industry growth.”

ADM, Decatur, Illinois, U.S., also intends to market the high-oleic soybean oil for use by the food industry in 2015. ADM will contract with soybean growers in the Frankfort, Indiana, U.S., region.

Cargill and Bunge also have worked with Plenish high-oleic soybeans. Cargill plans to work with farmers near Cargill’s facility in Sidney, Ohio, U.S., to grow the soybeans in 2014.

The oil’s oleic content, about 75%, increases its stability and provides greater flexibility in food applications. The oil has 0 grams of trans fat and 20% less saturated fat than commodity soybean oil.