A GROUP of local corn farmers have asked biotechnology giant Monsanto Co. to develop and distribute a genetically-modified (GM) soybean variety as an alternative crop. ”We are asking Monsanto to help us develop a tropical variety soybean that is round-up ready [weed-tolerant],” Roderico R. Bioco, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Maize Federation, Inc. (Philmaize), told reporters late Monday.