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{{Short description|American agribusiness corporation (1901–2018)}} | ||
{{Other uses}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2011}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}} | |||
{{Infobox company | {{Infobox company | ||
| |
| name = Monsanto Company | ||
| |
| logo = Monsanto logo.svg | ||
| |
| type = ] | ||
| traded_as |
| traded_as = {{NYSE was|MON}} | ||
| industry = ] | |||
| foundation = ], US (1901) | |||
| fate = Acquired by ] | |||
| founder = ] | |||
| foundation = {{start date and age|1901|09|26}}<br/>Reformed in 2000 (spun off from ]) | |||
| location = ], U.S. | |||
| founder = ] | |||
| key_people = ]<br><small>(Chairman, President and CEO)</small> | |||
| defunct = {{end date and age|2018|06|07}} | |||
| industry = ] | |||
| location = ], U.S. | |||
| products = ]s, ]s, ] | |||
| key_people = {{ubl|class=nowrap | |||
| revenue = {{nowrap|{{increase}} US$ 11.822 billion <small>(FY 2011)</small><ref name=secdatabase.com_EDGAR_10-K-A>{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2347/0000950123-11-101537.pdf|title=2011 Annual Report, Form 10-K/A, Monsanto Company, Filing Date December 1, 2011 |publisher=secdatabase.com |accessdate =May 15, 2010}}</ref>}} | |||
| ] | {{small|(Chairman, President, & CEO)}} | |||
| operating_income = {{increase}} US$ 2.502 billion <small>(FY 2011)</small><ref name=secdatabase.com_EDGAR_10-K-A/> | |||
| Pierre Courduroux | {{small|(Vice President & CFO)}}}} | |||
| net_income = {{increase}} US$ 1.659 billion <small>(FY 2011)</small><ref name=secdatabase.com_EDGAR_10-K-A/> | |||
| products = {{ubl|class=nowrap|]s|]|]s}} | |||
| assets = {{increase}} US$ 19.844 billion <small>(FY 2011)</small><ref name=secdatabase.com_EDGAR_10-K-A/> | |||
| parent = ] (1999–2000) | |||
| equity = {{increase}} US$ 11.716 billion <small>(FY 2011)</small><ref name=secdatabase.com_EDGAR_10-K-A/> | |||
| |
| footnotes = <ref name=10KAUG2017>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1110783/000111078317000187/mon-20170831x10k.htm |title=US SEC: Form 10-K Monsanto Company |publisher=] |access-date=January 11, 2018}}</ref> | ||
}} | |||
| homepage = }} | |||
] | |||
The '''Monsanto Company''' ({{ |
The '''Monsanto Company''' ({{IPAc-en|m|ɒ|n|ˈ|s|æ|n|t|oʊ}}) was an American ] and ] corporation founded in 1901 and headquartered in ]. Monsanto's best-known product is ], a ]-based ], developed in the 1970s. Later, the company became a major producer of ] crops. In 2018, the company ranked 199th on the ] of the largest United States corporations by revenue.<ref name="Fortune 500 Companies 2018">{{cite web|title=Fortune 500 Companies 2018|url=http://fortune.com/fortune500/list/|access-date=March 18, 2019|publisher=fortune.com|archive-date=January 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115060417/http://fortune.com/fortune500/list/}}</ref> | ||
Monsanto was one of four groups to introduce genes into plants in 1983,<ref name="pbn">{{cite web |url=http://www.vib.be/en/about-vib/plant-biotech-news/Pages/The-race-towards-the-first-genetically-modified-plant.aspx |title=The race towards the first genetically modified plant |publisher=Plant Biotech News |date=June 19, 2013 |access-date=April 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317075858/http://www.vib.be/en/about-vib/plant-biotech-news/Pages/The-race-towards-the-first-genetically-modified-plant.aspx|archive-date=March 17, 2017 }}</ref> and was among the first to conduct field trials of ] in 1987. It was one of the top-ten U.S. chemical companies until it divested most of its chemical businesses between 1997 and 2002, through a process of mergers and spin-offs that focused the company on ]. | |||
], owned by Monsanto, exclusively produces Roundup Ready soybean seed for the commercial market. In 2005, it finalized the purchase of ], making it the world's largest conventional seed company at the time. | |||
Monsanto was one of the first companies to apply the ] business model to agriculture, using techniques developed by biotech drug companies.<ref>Dorothy Leonard-Barton, Gary P. Pisano. January 29, 1990. Harvard Business Review: Case Studies. </ref>{{rp|2–6}} In this business model, companies recoup R&D expenses by exploiting ]s.<ref name="Moschini">{{cite web |url=http://www.choicesmagazine.org/magazine/print.php?article=120 |title=Competition Issues in the Seed Industry and the Role of Intellectual Property |publisher=Choicesmagazine.org |date=November 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302160548/http://www.choicesmagazine.org/magazine/print.php?article=120 |archive-date=March 2, 2013}}</ref><ref>Schneider, Keith (June 10, 1990) . ''The New York Times''.</ref><ref>Burrone, Esteban (2006) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024234945/http://www.wipo.int/sme/en/documents/patents_biotech_fulltext.html |date=October 24, 2016 }}. ]</ref><ref>Economic Research Service/USDA {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109090402/http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib-agricultural-information-bulletin/aib786.aspx |date=November 9, 2012}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto's development and marketing of ] ] and ], as well as its litigation, political ] practices, seed commercialization practices<ref name="cbsnews.com">{{Cite news| url = http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/14/business/main5978152.shtml | title = AP: Monsanto Strong-Arms Seed Industry | work=] | date = 14 December 2009 | accessdate =15 June 2010}}</ref> have made the company controversial around the world and a primary target of the ] movement and ]s. | |||
Monsanto's roles in agricultural changes, biotechnology products, lobbying of government agencies, and roots as a chemical company have resulted in controversies. The company once manufactured controversial products such as the ] ], ], ], and ] ]. | |||
In September 2016, German chemical company ] announced its intent to acquire Monsanto for US$66 billion in an all-cash deal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/09/14/bayer-monsanto-acquisition/90346412/|title=Big deal: Bayer getting Monsanto for $66B|first=Nathan|last=Bomey|website=USA TODAY}}</ref> After gaining U.S. and EU regulatory approval, the sale was completed on June 7, 2018. The name ''Monsanto'' was no longer used, but Monsanto's previous product brand names were maintained.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-07/bayer-closes-monsanto-deal-to-cap-63-billion-transformation|title=Bayer Closes Monsanto Deal to Cap $63 Billion Transformation |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |date=June 7, 2018 |access-date=2018-11-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-monsanto-m-a-bayer-closing/with-deal-to-close-this-week-bayer-to-retire-monsanto-name-idUSKCN1J00IZ |title=With deal to close this week, Bayer to retire Monsanto name |publisher=] |date=June 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/06/04/monsanto-bayer-name/668418002/|title=Monsanto shedding name: Bayer acquisition leads to change for environmental lightning rod|first=Nathan|last=Bomey|website=USA TODAY}}</ref> In June 2020, Bayer agreed to pay numerous settlements in lawsuits involving ex-Monsanto products ], ] and ].<ref name="bayerpays" /> Owing to the massive financial and reputational blows caused by ongoing litigation concerning Monsanto's herbicide Roundup, the Bayer-Monsanto merger is considered one of the worst corporate mergers in history.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Sherman |first=Ruth Bender {{!}} Graphics by Merrill |date=28 August 2019 |title=How Bayer-Monsanto Became One of the Worst Corporate Deals—in 12 Charts |language=en-US |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-bayer-monsanto-became-one-of-the-worst-corporate-dealsin-12-charts-11567001577 |access-date=2019-09-23}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web |date=29 August 2019 |title=Worst deal ever? Bayer's market cap now close to the total cost it paid for Monsanto |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/worst-deal-ever-bayer-s-market-cap-now-close-to-total-cost-it-paid-for-monsanto |access-date=2019-09-23 |website=FiercePharma |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite news |last=Randazzo |first=Sara |date=2021-02-03 |title=Bayer Tries Again to Limit Roundup Liability |language=en-US |work=] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/bayer-tries-again-to-limit-roundup-liability-11612388834 |access-date=2021-02-04 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Farrell |first=Maureen |date=2023-12-06 |title=Years After Monsanto Deal, Bayer's Roundup Bills Keep Piling Up |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/06/business/monsanto-bayer-roundup-lawsuit-settlements.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-12-06}}</ref> | |||
{{toclimit|3}} | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
{{Further|Timeline of Monsanto}} | |||
{{farming}} | |||
Monsanto was founded in ], in 1901, by ], a 30-year veteran of the pharmaceutical industry. He funded the start-up with his own money and capital from a ] distributor and gave the company his wife's maiden name. His father-in-law was Emmanuel Mendes de Monsanto, a wealthy financier of a sugar company active in ] and based in St. Thomas in the ]. The company's first product was the ] ], which it sold to ]. | |||
==="Pre-Pharmacia" Monsanto=== | |||
In 1919, Monsanto established its presence in Europe by entering into a partnership with Graesser's Chemical Works at ] near ], Wales to produce vanillin, ], ] and later ] processing chemicals. This site was later sold and closed in 2010. | |||
==== 1901 to WWII ==== | |||
In 1901, Monsanto was founded in St. Louis, Missouri, as a ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |url = http://www.genengnews.com/gen-articles/biotech-firms-need-innovation-strategies/5563/ |title=Biotech Firms Need Innovation Strategies |last = Glick |first=J. Leslie |date=September 1, 2015 |work=] |access-date=September 29, 2015 |page = 11}}{{Open access}}</ref> The founder was ], who, at age 42, was a 30‑year veteran of the nascent pharmaceutical industry.<ref> brief bio from Junior Achievement {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206123651/http://www.ja.org/nested/stlouis/John_Queeny.pdf|date=February 6, 2009}}</ref> He funded the firm with his own money and capital from a ] distributor. He used for the company name the maiden name of his wife, Olga Méndez Monsanto, who was a scioness of the ].<ref>{{harvnb|Ehrlich|1997|p=3}}</ref> | |||
The company's first products were commodity food additives, such as the ] ], ] and ].<ref>Erik Simani, World Resources Institute. 2001. </ref>{{rp|6}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Our history – Early years|url=http://www.monsanto.com/whoweare/Pages/monsanto-history.aspx|publisher=Monsanto official website|access-date=September 27, 2013}}</ref><ref>Marc S. Reisch for Chemical & Engineering News. January 12, 1998 </ref><ref>Robert Ancuceanu. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515182436/http://practica-farmaceutica.medica.ro/reviste_med/download/practica_farmaceutica/2011.2/PF_Nr-2_2011_Art-1.pdf |date=May 15, 2014 }} Practica Farmaceutică 2011 4(2):69–72</ref><ref>{{cite book |url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=uVq_AAAAQBAJ}} |title=Sweet Stuff: An American History of Sweeteners from Sugar to Sucralose | publisher=Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press |author=Warner, Deborah Jean |year=2011 |pages=182–190 |isbn=978-1-935623-05-2}}</ref> | |||
In the 1920s, Monsanto expanded into basic industrial chemicals like ], and the decade ended with Queeny's son ] taking over the company in 1928. | |||
Monsanto expanded to Europe in 1919 in a partnership with Graesser's Chemical Works at ], Wales. The venture produced vanillin, ] and its raw ingredient ], and later ] processing chemicals. | |||
The 1940s saw Monsanto become a leading manufacturer of plastics, including ] and ]. Since then, it has remained one of the top 10 US chemical companies. Other major products have included the herbicides ], ], and ] used primarily during the ] as a ] agent (later found to be ] during manufacture with highly carcinogenic ]), the artificial sweetener ] (]), bovine somatotropin (] (BST)), and ].<ref name="washingtonpost"/> Also in this decade, Monsanto operated the ], and later ] in Miamisburg, Ohio, for the ], the development of the first ] and, after 1947, the ]. | |||
In the 1920s, Monsanto expanded into basic industrial chemicals such as ] and ]. Queeny's son ] took over the company in 1928. | |||
Monsanto began manufacturing DDT in 1944, along with some 15 other companies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.organicconsumers.org/corp/tokaronwar120902.cfm |title=Agribusiness, Biotechnology and War |publisher=Organicconsumers.org |date= |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> This insecticide was much-welcomed in the fight against malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. The use of DDT in the U.S. was banned by Congress in 1972, due in large part to efforts by ], who persisted in the challenge put forth by ] and her book '']'' in 1962, which sought to inform the public of the side effects associated with DDT. As the decade ended, Monsanto acquired American Viscose from England's Courtauld family in 1949. | |||
In 1926 the company founded and incorporated a town called Monsanto in ] (now known as ]). It was formed to provide minimal regulation and low taxes for Monsanto plants at a time when local jurisdictions had most of the responsibility for environmental rules. It was renamed in honor of Leo Sauget, its first village president.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB115984289083380869|title=Yes, in My Backyard: Tiny Sauget, Illinois, Likes Business Misfits|last=Spain|first=William|date=2006-10-03|work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=2017-12-22|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660}}</ref> | |||
In 1954, Monsanto partnered with German chemical giant ] to form ] and market ]s in the US. | |||
In 1935, Monsanto bought the ] in ], and thereby entered the business of producing ].<ref name="CIA1">{{cite web|title=Poisoned by PCBs: 'A Lack of Control'|url=http://www.chemicalindustryarchives.org/dirtysecrets/anniston/2.asp|website=Chemical Industry Archives|access-date=November 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210110457/http://www.chemicalindustryarchives.org/dirtysecrets/anniston/2.asp|archive-date=December 10, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Head">{{cite journal |last1=Head|first1=Thomas R. III|title=PCBs—The Rise and Fall of an Industrial Miracle|journal=Natural Resources & Environment|date=Spring 2005|page=18|url=http://www.americanbar.org/tools/digitalassetabstract.html/content/dam/aba/publishing/natural_resources_environment/environ_mo_premium_nr_nre_spring05_Head.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208230006/http://www.americanbar.org/tools/digitalassetabstract.html/content/dam/aba/publishing/natural_resources_environment/environ_mo_premium_nr_nre_spring05_Head.pdf |archive-date=2015-12-08 |url-status=live|access-date=November 30, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Montague">{{cite web |last1=Montague|first1=Peter|title=How We Got Here – Part 1: The History of Chlorinated Diphenyl (PCB's)|url=http://www.hudsonwatch.net/rachels01.html|website=HudsonWatch.net}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto was a pioneer of optoelectronics in the 1970s. In 1968 they became the first company to start mass production of (visible) ] (LEDs), using gallium arsenide phosphide. This ushered in the era of solid-state lights. From 1968 to 1970 sales doubled every few months. Their products (discrete LEDs and seven-segment numeric displays) became the standards of industry. The primary markets then were electronic calculators, digital watches, and digital clocks.<ref name="Schubert">{{Cite book|author=E. Fred Schubert|title=Light-Emitting Diodes|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2003|chapter=1|isbn=0-8194-3956-8}}</ref> | |||
In 1936, Monsanto acquired Thomas & Hochwalt Laboratories in ], to acquire the expertise of ] and Carroll A. Hochwalt. The acquisition became Monsanto's Central Research Department.<ref name="Landau">Ralph Landau, , vol. 2, National Academy of Engineering</ref>{{rp|340–341}} Thomas spent the rest of his career at Monsanto, serving as President (1951–1960) and Board Chair (1960–1965). He retired in 1970.<ref name="Bird">David Bird, , ''The New York Times'', March 31, 1982.</ref> In 1943, Thomas was called to a meeting in Washington, D.C., with ], commander of the ], and ], president of ] and chairman of the ] (NDRC).<ref name="Building">''Dayton Daily News''. September 18, 1983 .</ref> They urged Thomas to become co-director of the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos with ], but Thomas was reluctant to leave Dayton and Monsanto.<ref name="Building" /> He joined the NDRC, and Monsanto's Central Research Department began to conduct related research.<ref>Harvey V. Moyer, ed., , Atomic Energy Commission U.S.A., July 1956</ref>{{rp|vii}} To that end, Monsanto operated the ], and later ], and assisted in the development of the first ].<ref name="Building" /> | |||
In the 1960s and 1970s, Monsanto became one of the most important producers of ] for US Military operations in ]. Agent Orange caused an immense damage to health, also for US-soldiers, not at least by genetic modification.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3798581.stm |work=BBC News | title=Vietnam's war against Agent Orange | date=14 June 2004 | accessdate=5 April 2010 | first=Tom | last=Fawthrop}}</ref><ref>, by Tom Fawthrop, 4 November 2004, CorpWatch</ref> | |||
==== Post-WWII ==== | |||
In 1979, Monsanto established the ''Edgar Monsanto Queeny'' safety award in honor of its former CEO (1928–1960), to encourage accident prevention.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asse.org/practicespecialties/interviews/SPYAward.php |title=SPY Award Interview |publisher=Asse.org |date=1947-04-16 |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> | |||
In 1946, Monsanto developed and marketed "All" laundry detergent, which it sold to ] in 1957.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://adage.com/article/adage-encyclopedia/unilever-lever-brothers/98749/ |title=Unilever (Lever Brothers Co.) | AdAge Encyclopedia of Advertising – Advertising Age |publisher=Adage.com |date=September 15, 2003}}</ref> In 1947, its ] factory was destroyed in the ].<ref>{{cite web| title=Fire on the Grandcamp| url=http://www.texascity-library.org/disaster/first.php| publisher=Moore Memorial Public Library| location=Texas City, TX| date=n.d.| access-date=October 21, 2015| archive-date=June 24, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624233433/http://www.texascity-library.org/disaster/first.php}}</ref> In 1949, Monsanto acquired ] from ]. In 1954, Monsanto partnered with German chemical giant ] to form ] and market ]s in the United States.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Wallace|first1=Cynthia Day|title=Legal control of the multinational enterprise: national regulatory techniques and the prospects for international controls|date=1982|publisher=Nijhoff|location=The Hague|isbn=978-90-247-2668-4|page=188}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto began manufacturing ] in 1944, along with some 15 other companies. This insecticide was used to kill ]-transmitting mosquitoes, but it was banned in the United States in 1972 due to its harmful environmental impacts. | |||
Monsanto scientists became the first to ] a plant cell in 1982. Five years later, Monsanto conducted the first field tests of genetically engineered crops. | |||
In 1977, Monsanto stopped producing PCBs; Congress banned PCB production two years later.<ref>. EPA.gov (June 28, 2006).</ref><ref name="ATSDR" /> | |||
Through a process of mergers and spin-offs between 1997 and 2002, Monsanto made a transition from chemical giant to biotech giant. Part of this process involved the 1999 sale by Monsanto of their ] facilities to ] (GLC) for $125 million. In 2000, GLC sued Monsanto because of a $71 million dollar shortfall in expected sales. | |||
====1960s and 1970s==== | |||
In 2001, retired Monsanto chemist ] was named a co-winner of the ] for his research on catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation, which was carried out at Monsanto beginning in the 1960s until his 1986 retirement. | |||
In the mid‑1960s, ] and his team invented a way to selectively synthesize ] via ]. This was the first method for the ] production of pure ] compounds.<ref>William S. Knowles. . Nobel Lecture, December 8, 2001</ref> Knowles' team designed the "first industrial process to chirally synthesize an important compound"—], which is used to treat ].<ref>{{cite journal |last=Yun |first=O. |date=November 22, 2005 |title=Profile of William S. Knowles |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |volume=102 |pages=16913–16915 |doi=10.1073/pnas.0507546102 |pmc=1287994 |pmid=16286647 |issue=47|bibcode=2005PNAS..10216913Y |doi-access=free }}</ref> In 2001, Knowles and ] won the ]. In the mid-1960s, chemists at Monsanto developed the ] for making ], which until 2000 was the most widely used production method. In 1964, Monsanto chemists invented ] (initially ChemGrass).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.astroturf.com/1964/06/|title=June – 1964 – AstroTurf|access-date=June 15, 2015|archive-date=July 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714075949/http://www.astroturf.com/1964/06/}}</ref> | |||
In the 1960s and 1970s, Monsanto was a producer of ] for ] operations in ], and settled out of court in a lawsuit brought by veterans in 1984.<ref name="EncNatSec">"Agent Orange" entry in Encyclopedia of United States National Security, edited by Richard J. Samuel. SAGE Publications, 2005. {{ISBN|9781452265353}}</ref>{{rp|6}} In 1968, it became the first company to start mass production of (visible) ]s (LEDs), using ] ]. From 1968 to 1970, sales doubled every few months. Their products (discrete LEDs and seven-segment numeric displays) became industry standards. The primary markets then were ], ] and digital clocks.<ref name="Schubert">{{Cite book|author=E. Fred Schubert|title=Light-Emitting Diodes|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2003|chapter=1|isbn=978-0-8194-3956-7}}</ref> Monsanto became a pioneer of ] in the 1970s. | |||
Throughout 2004 and 2005, Monsanto filed lawsuits against many farmers in Canada and the U.S. on the grounds of ], specifically the farmers' sale of seed containing Monsanto's patented genes. In some cases, farmers claimed the seed was unknowingly sown by wind carrying the seeds from neighboring crops, a claim rejected in '']''.<ref name="2001FCT256">{{cite web|url=http://decisions.fct-cf.gc.ca/en/2001/2001fct256/2001fct256.html |title=''Monsanto Canada v. Schmeiser'', 2001 FCT 256 |publisher=Decisions.fct-cf.gc.ca |date= |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> These instances began in the mid to late 1990s, with one of the most significant cases being decided in Monsanto's favor by the ]. By a 5–4 vote in late May 2004, that court ruled that "by cultivating a plant containing the patented gene and composed of the patented cells without license, the appellants (] farmer ]) deprived the respondents of the full enjoyment of the patent." With this ruling, the Canadian courts followed the U.S. Supreme Court in its decision on patent issues involving plants and genes. | |||
Between 1968 and 1974, the company sponsored the ] event in Pensacola, Florida, which was renamed the ]. | |||
As of February 2005, Monsanto has patent claims on breeding techniques for pigs which would grant them ownership of any pigs born of such techniques and their related herds. ] claims Monsanto is trying to claim ownership on ordinary breeding techniques.<ref>], 2 August 2005, </ref> Monsanto claims that the patent is a defensive measure to track animals from its system. They furthermore claim their patented method uses a specialized insemination device that requires fewer sperm than are typically needed.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Stephanie Condron |title=GM crop giant wants to patent a super-pig |date=11 August 2005 |publisher=] (London) |page=18 |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-358902/GM-crop-giant-wants-patent-super-pig.html }}</ref> | |||
In 1974, ] and Monsanto signed a 10-year ] to support the cancer research of ], which became the largest such arrangement ever made; medical inventions arising from that research were the first for which Harvard allowed its faculty to submit ].<ref name=NASbio>]. National Academy of Sciences, 2014</ref><ref name=HarvardBIo>Harvard Medical School </ref> | |||
In 2006, the ] filed requests with the ] to revoke four patents that Monsanto has used in patent lawsuits against farmers. In the first round of reexamination, claims in all four patents were rejected by the Patent Office in four separate rulings dating from February through July 2007.<ref> from ]</ref> Monsanto has since filed responses in the reexaminations. | |||
====1980 to 1989: Becoming an agribiotech company==== | |||
In October 2008, the company's Canadian division, Monsanto Canada Inc., was named one of ] by Mediacorp Canada Inc., and was featured in '']'' newsmagazine. Later that month, Monsanto Canada Inc. was also named one of ], which was announced by the '']'' newspaper.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eluta.ca/top-employer-monsanto|title=Reasons for Selection, 2009 Canada's Top 100 Employers Competition}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto scientists were among the first to genetically modify a plant cell, publishing their results in 1983.<ref name=pbn/> Five years later the company conducted the first field tests of ]. Increasing involvement in ] dates from the installment of Richard Mahoney as Monsanto's ] in 1983.<ref name=":0" /> This involvement increased under the leadership of ], appointed CEO in 1995, leading ultimately to the disposition of product lines unrelated to agriculture.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
In 1985, Monsanto acquired ], a ] company that focused on pharmaceuticals, agriculture and animal health. In 1993, its Searle division filed a patent application for ],<ref>. accessdata.fda.gov</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US5466823A/en|title=Substituted pyrazolyl benzenesulfonamides}}</ref> which in 1998 became the first selective ] to be approved by the U.S. ] (FDA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/98/20998.cfm |title=Drug Approval Package: Celebrex (Celecoxib) NDA# 20-998 |publisher=Accessdata.fda.gov}}</ref> Celebrex became a ] and was often mentioned as a key reason for ]'s acquisition of Monsanto's pharmaceutical business in 2002.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Frank, Robert |author2=Hensley, Scott |name-list-style=amp |title=Pfizer to Buy Pharmacia For $60 Billion in Stock|url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB1026684057282753560|work=The Wall Street Journal |date=July 16, 2002}}</ref> | |||
In January 2010, Monsanto was named company of the year by ]. | |||
====1990 to 1999: Moving into the seed market & industry consolidation==== | |||
===Spin-offs and mergers=== | |||
In 1994, Monsanto introduced a ] version of ], brand-named Posilac.<ref name = MG>{{cite web | url = http://www.monsantodairy.com/about/general_info/index.html | title = General information – Posilac| year = 2007 | publisher = Monsanto | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080101123956/http://www.monsantodairy.com/about/general_info/index.html| archive-date = January 1, 2008}}</ref> Monsanto later sold this business to ]. | |||
Through a series of transactions, the Monsanto that existed from 1901 to 2000 and the current Monsanto are legally two distinct corporations. Although they share the same name and corporate headquarters, many of the same executives and other employees, and responsibility for liabilities arising out of activities in the industrial chemical business, the agricultural chemicals business is the only segment carried forward from the pre-1997 Monsanto Company to the current Monsanto Company. This was accomplished beginning in the 1980s: | |||
In 1996, Monsanto purchased ], the biotechnology company that had generated the first transgenic cotton, soybeans, peanuts and other crops, and from which Monsanto had been licensing technology since 1991.<ref>{{Cite press release|title = WR Grace Sells Agracetus to Monsanto for $150M|url = http://www.biotechprofiles.com/companyfiles/madisonnetwork/c81a944349224f0984a586f89719edb6.pdf|date = April 8, 1996|publisher = W. R. Grace|via = BiotechProfiles<!--http://www.biotechprofiles.com/companyprofile/Monsanto.aspx--><!--found in archive.org-->|access-date = August 11, 2012|archive-date = November 5, 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111105040555/http://biotechprofiles.com/companyfiles/madisonnetwork/c81a944349224f0984a586f89719edb6.pdf}}</ref> | |||
* 1985: Monsanto purchases ]. In this merger, Searle's aspartame business becomes a separate Monsanto subsidiary, the ] Company. CEO of NutraSweet, ], goes on to become CEO of Monsanto from 1995 to 2000. | |||
* 1996: Acquires 49.9% of Calgene, creators of the ] tomato in April and another ~5% in November. Monsanto first entered the maize seed business when it purchased 40% of ] in 1996. It purchased the remainder of the corporation in 1998.<ref name=Troyer>Troyer, A. Forrest. ''Development of Hybrid Corn and the Seed Corn Industry.'' '''''In:''''' Handbook of Maize Genetics and Genomics. Bennetzen, Jeff L.; Hake, Sarah (Eds.) Springer, 2009, pages 87–114.</ref> | |||
* 1997: Monsanto spins off its industrial chemical and fiber divisions into ]. This transfers the financial liability related to the production and contamination with ] at the Illinois and Alabama plants. In January, Monsanto announces the purchase of Holden's Foundations Seeds, a privately held seed business owned by the Holden family, along with its sister sales organization, Corn States Hybrid Service, of Williamsburg and Des Moines, Iowa, respectively. The combined purchase price totals $925 million. Also, in April, Monsanto purchases the remaining shares of Calgene. | |||
* 1999: Monsanto sells off NutraSweet Co. and two other companies. | |||
* 2000 (spring): Monsanto merges with ] and ], and the agricultural division becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of the "new" Pharmacia; the medical research divisions, which includes products such as ], remain in Pharmacia. | |||
* 2000 (October): Pharmacia spins off its Monsanto subsidiary into a new company, the "new Monsanto."<ref>{{cite news |title = Monsanto Raises $700 Million in IPO | |||
| date = 18 October 2000 | url = http://articles.latimes.com/2000/oct/18/business/fi-38228 | accessdate = 25 November 2011 | work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> As part of the deal, Monsanto agrees to indemnify Pharmacia against any liabilities that might be incurred from judgments against Solutia. As a result, the new Monsanto continues to be a party to numerous lawsuits that relate to operations of the old Monsanto. | |||
* 2005: Monsanto purchases ], a leading global vegetable and fruit seed company, for $1.4 billion.<ref>{{cite web | |||
| title = Seminis Acquisition – Investor Conference Call | |||
| date = 24 January 2005 | |||
| url = http://www.monsanto.com/pdf/investors/2005/01-24-05_low.pdf | |||
| accessdate =10 October 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}} | |||
</ref> | |||
* 2007: In June, Monsanto completes its purchase of Delta and Pine Land Company, a major cotton seed breeder, for $1.5 billion.<ref>{{cite web | |||
| title = Monsanto Company Completes Acquisition of Delta and Pine Land Company, Seeks Approval of Related Divestitures | |||
| date = 1 June 2007 | |||
| url = http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/524921 | |||
| accessdate =10 October 2009}} | |||
</ref> Monsanto exits the pig breeding business by selling Monsanto Choice Genetics to Newsham Genetics LC in November, divesting itself of "any and all swine-related patents, patent applications, and all other intellectual property."<ref>{{cite web | |||
| title = Monsanto – Pig Patent | |||
| date = 16 July 2009 | |||
| url = http://www.monsanto.com/newsviews/Pages/pig-patent.aspx | |||
| accessdate =10 October 2009}} | |||
</ref><ref>{{cite web | |||
| title = Newsham Choice Genetics | |||
| date = 14 November 2007 | |||
| url = http://www.newsham.com/Newsham/news.aspx?Newsham=WebPointID%3d23%26NewsStoryID%3d1%26__TimeStamp__%3d12%2f31%2f9999+11%3a59%3a59+PM | |||
| accessdate =10 October 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}} | |||
</ref> | |||
* 2008: Monsanto purchases the Dutch seed company ] for €546 million,<ref>{{cite web | |||
| title = De Ruiter Seeds Acquisition | |||
| date = 31 March 2008 | |||
| url = http://www.monsanto.com/pdf/investors/deruiter_seed_acquisition.pdf | |||
| accessdate =10 October 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> and sells its POSILAC bovine somatotropin brand and related business to Elanco Animal Health, a division of ] in August for $300 million plus "additional contingent consideration".<ref>{{cite web | |||
| title = Eli Lilly and Company to Acquire Monsanto's POSILAC Brand Dairy Product and Related Business | |||
| date = 20 August 2008 | |||
| url = http://monsanto.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=629 | |||
| accessdate =10 October 2009}}</ref> | |||
In 1997, Monsanto divested ], a company created to carry off the responsibility for Monsanto's PCB business and associated liabilities, along with some related organic chemical production. | |||
==Corporate governance== | |||
Current members of the board of directors of Monsanto are: ''']''' president of ], '''Hugh Grant''', the president and CEO of Monsanto, '''Arthur H. Harper''', managing partner of GenNx360 Capital Partners, ''']''', president of Podium Prose (a speakers bureau), '''Laura K. Ipsen''', senior VP and general manager of Connected Energy Networks at ], '''C. Steven McMillan''', the former chairman and CEO of ], '''William U. Parfet''', chief executive officer of MPI Research Inc., '''Janice L. Fields''', president of ], ''']''', chief executive of Health Technology Networks, '''Jon R. Moeller''', chief financial officer of ],<ref></ref> and '''George H. Poste''', PhD, ], chief executive of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monsanto.com/whoweare/Pages/board-of-directors.aspx |title=Board of Directors |publisher=Monsanto}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto first entered the ] seed business when it purchased 40% of ] in 1996; it purchased the remainder of the corporation in 1998.<ref name=":1">{{cite press release |title=Justice Department Approves Monsanto's Acquisition of Dekalb Genetics Corporation |date=November 30, 1998 |url=https://www.justice.gov/atr/public/press_releases/1998/2103.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040218013852/http://www.justice.gov/atr/public/press_releases/1998/2103.htm |archive-date=February 18, 2004 |publisher=United States Department of Justice}}</ref> In 1997, the company first published an annual report citing Monsanto's Law, a biotechnological take on ], indicating its future directions and exponential growth in the use of biotechnology. In the same year, Californian ] company '''Calgene''' was acquired.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=25968 |title = Stocks|website = ]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/1997/04/01/deals/monsanto/|title=Monsanto buys Calgene - Apr. 1, 1997 |website=money.cnn.com}}</ref> In 1998, Monsanto purchased ]'s international seed business, which gave it access to sales and distribution facilities in 51 countries.<ref name=":1" /> In 2005, it finalized the purchase of ], a leading global vegetable and fruit seed company, for $1.4 billion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Monsanto closes $1.4 billion buy of Seminis |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2005/03/21/daily37.html |access-date=2018-01-06 |work=St. Louis Business Journal |date=March 23, 2005}}</ref> This made it the world's largest conventional seed company. | |||
Former Monsanto employees currently hold positions in US government agencies such as the ] (FDA), ] (EPA) and the ]. These include ], ], ], ], Michael Friedman, ], and ].<ref name="url_monsantoharvest">{{cite web|url=http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/05/monsanto200805 |title=Monsanto's Harvest of Fear }}</ref> ] has been back and forth between positions at Monsanto and the EPA.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> | |||
In 1999, Monsanto sold off NutraSweet Co.<ref name=":0" /> In December of the same year, Monsanto agreed to merge with ], in a deal valuing the transaction at $27 billion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Deogun |first1=Nikhil |last2=Langreth |first2=Robert |last3=Burton |first3=Thomas M. |title=Pharmacia & Upjohn, Monsanto Boards Approve $27 Billion Merger of Equals |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB945650774971796642 |access-date=2018-01-06 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=December 20, 1999}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Barboza |first=David |date=December 20, 1999 |title=Monsanto and Pharmacia to Join, Creating a Pharmaceutical Giant |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/20/business/monsanto-and-pharmacia-to-join-creating-a-pharmaceutical-giant.html?ref=monsantocompany |access-date=2018-06-15 |work=The New York Times |language=en}}</ref> The agricultural division became a wholly owned subsidiary of the "new" Pharmacia; Monsanto's medical research division, which included products such as Celebrex.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barboza |first1=David |title=Monsanto and Pharmacia to Join, Creating a Pharmaceutical Giant |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/20/business/monsanto-and-pharmacia-to-join-creating-a-pharmaceutical-giant.html |access-date=2018-01-06 |work=The New York Times |date=December 20, 1999}}</ref> | |||
==Environmental and health record== | |||
According to an anonymous 2001 document<ref>{{cite web | |||
| title = Top 100 PRPs Based on Number of Sites At Which They Are Involved | |||
| publisher=CERCLIS3 | |||
| date = 11 December 2001 | |||
| url = http://projects.publicintegrity.org/superfund/includes/Top100PRPs.pdf | |||
| accessdate =10 October 2009}} | |||
</ref> obtained by the ], Monsanto has been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as being a "potentially responsible party" for 56 contaminated sites (] sites) in the United States. Monsanto has been sued, and has settled, multiple times for damaging the health of its employees or residents near its Superfund sites through pollution and poisoning.<ref name="washingtonpost">{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A54914-2002Feb22?language=printer |title=Monsanto Held Liable For PCB Dumping | work=The Washington Post | accessdate=5 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://consumerlawpage.com/article/truelies.shtml |title=The Politics Behind the Scientific Debate on Dioxin}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chemicalindustryarchives.org/dirtysecrets/annistonindepth/toxicity.asp |title=Monsanto knew about PCB toxicity for decades }}</ref> In 2004 The Wildlife Habitat Council and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Environmental Performance Track presented a special certificate of recognition to Monsanto Company during WHC's 16th Annual Symposium. | |||
===="Pre-Pharmacia" Monsanto overview==== | |||
Monsanto is the largest producer of glyphosate ] through its popular brand, ]. A report released in June 2011 linked glyphosate to birth defects in frog and chicken embryos at dilutions much lower than those used in agricultural and garden spraying.<ref>: Is the public being kept in the dark? | |||
by Michael Antoniou, Mohamed Ezz El-Din Mostafa Habib, C Vyvyan Howard, Richard Jennings, Carlo Leifert, Rubens Onofre Nodari, Claire Robinson, John Fagan. Earth Open Source, 2011</ref> | |||
{| class="collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%; border:solid 1px #aaa" | |||
Phil Angell, Monsanto's director of corporate communications (referring to the ]) explained the company's regulatory philosophy to ] in 1998: "Monsanto should not have to vouch for the safety of biotech food. Our interest is in selling as much of it as possible. Assuring its safety is FDA's job."<ref>{{Cite news| title=Playing God in the Garden |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D03EFD8143DF936A15753C1A96E958260 | author=] | date=25 October 1998 | publisher=] | page=Section 6; Page 44}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! style="background:#F0F2F5" | Illustration of the company's mergers, acquisitions, ] and historical predecessors: | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
{{cladeR | style=font-size:90%;line-height:110% |thickness=0 | |||
|label1='''Pharmacia Corp.'''<br/><small>Acquired by ], 2002</small> | |||
|1={{cladeR | |||
|label1=] | |||
|1={{cladeR | |||
|label1=]<br/><small>(Merged 1995)</small> | |||
|1={{cladeR | |||
|label1=Kabi Pharmacia | |||
|1={{cladeR | |||
|label1=Pharmacia Biotech | |||
|1={{cladeR | |||
|2=LKB-produkter AB<br/><small>(Acq 1968)</small> | |||
|1=PL Laboratories | |||
}} | |||
|2=Kabi Vitrum<br/><small>(Acq 1990)</small> | |||
}} | |||
|2=]<br/><small>(Acq 1993)</small> | |||
}} | |||
|2=]<br/><small>(Merged 1995)</small> | |||
}} | |||
|label2=Monsanto | |||
|2={{clade sequential |reverse=yes |inverse=yes | |||
|8=]<br/><small>(Seed div, Acq 1998)</small> | |||
|7=]<br/><small>(Acq 1998)</small> | |||
|6=]<br/><small>(Acq 1996)</small> | |||
|5=]<br/><small>(Acq 1985)</small> | |||
|4=American Viscose<br/><small>(Acq 1949)</small> | |||
|3=Thomas & Hochwalt Laboratories<br/><small>(Acq 1936)</small> | |||
|2=]<br/><small>(Acq 1935)</small> | |||
|1=Monsanto<br/><small>(Est 1901)</small> | |||
}} | |||
}} | |||
}} | |||
|} | |||
===Genetically modified organisms=== | |||
{{Main|Genetically modified organism}} | |||
==="Post-Pharmacia" Monsanto=== | |||
{{Expand section|date=January 2010}} | |||
====2000 to 2009: Birth of the "new" Monsanto==== | |||
Many of Monsanto's seed products are specifically genetically modified to make them resistant to Monsanto produced agricultural chemicals, such as "Round Up" herbicide. In a study published in the ], researchers applied a different statistical analysis on raw data obtained from Monsanto and concluded that these GM ] (maize) varieties induced a state of ].<ref name = "Vendômois">{{Cite journal|journal=Int J Biol Sci|year=2009|volume=5|issue=7|pages=706–726|title=A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health|author=Joël Spiroux de Vendômois, François Roullier, Dominique Cellier1, Gilles-Eric Séralini|url=http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm|pmid=20011136|pmc=2793308|doi=10.7150/ijbs.5.706}}</ref> They suggested that the presence of the new pesticides associated with the inserted genes were responsible, although the possibility that this could be due to a mutation during the transformation process was not excluded.<ref name = "Vendômois"/> | |||
In 2000, Pharmacia spun off its agro-biotech subsidiary into a new company,<ref name=":0" /> the "new Monsanto",<ref>{{cite news |title=Monsanto Raises $700 Million in IPO |date=October 18, 2000 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-oct-18-fi-38228-story.html |work=] |agency=Bloomberg News}}</ref> focused on four key agricultural crops—soybeans, maize, wheat and cotton.<ref name="economist-new-monsanto">{{cite magazine |title=Genetically modified company |url=https://www.economist.com/business/2002/08/15/genetically-modified-company |access-date=September 26, 2018 |magazine=] |date=August 15, 2002}}</ref> Monsanto agreed to indemnify Pharmacia against potential liabilities from judgments against ]. As a result, the new Monsanto continued to be a party to numerous lawsuits over the prior Monsanto. Pharmacia was bought by ] in 2003.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/15/business/pfizer-said-to-buy-large-drug-rival-in-60-billion-deal.html|title=Pfizer Said to Buy Large Drug Rival in $60 Billion Deal |last=Sorkin |first=Andrew Ross |date=2002-07-15 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2017-12-22 |language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>Staff, CNN/Money. April 16, 2003 </ref> | |||
In 2005, Monsanto acquired Emergent Genetics and its Stoneville and NexGen cotton brands. Emergent was the third-largest U.S. cotton seed company, with about 12% of the U.S. market. Monsanto's goal was to obtain "a strategic cotton germplasm and traits platform".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seedtoday.com/articles/monsanto_to_acquire_emergent_genetics__stoneville_and_nexgen_cotton_brands-25250.html |title=Monsanto to Acquire Emergent Genetics, Stoneville and NexGen Cotton Brands |publisher=Seed Today |date=February 17, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015161004/http://www.seedtoday.com/articles/monsanto_to_acquire_emergent_genetics__stoneville_and_nexgen_cotton_brands-25250.html |archive-date=October 15, 2013}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto was drawn into the ] over the ].<ref>{{cite web | title = WikiLeaks Cables Reveal U.S. Sought to Retaliate Against Europe over Monsanto GM Crops | url = http://www.democracynow.org/2010/12/23/wikileaks_cables_reveal_us_sought_to | accessdate =13 January 2011}}</ref> Dr. Arpad Pusztai's experiments suggested that it was the process of genetic engineering, not the presence of the inserted ] gene that altered the thickness of the gut ] in rats when fed genetically modified potatoes.<ref name=Puztai1999>{{cite journal |author=Ewen SW, Pusztai A |title=Effect of diets containing genetically modified potatoes expressing Galanthus nivalis lectin on rat small intestine |journal=Lancet |volume=354 |issue=9187 |pages=1353–4 |year=1999 |month=October |pmid=10533866 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(98)05860-7 |url=}}</ref> In other words it was the process of genetic engineering itself, not the presence of pesticides caused by the engineering which caused the damage to rats. The publication of this study has resulted in much controversy.<ref>{{cite doi|10.1016/S0140-6736(99)00341-4}}</ref> | |||
Also in 2005, Monsanto purchased ], the California-based world leader in vegetable seed production, for $1.4 billion.<ref name=wsj0612>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304458604577490600217020934|title=Monsanto Digs Into Seeds|publisher=The Wall Street|author=Ian Berry Journal|date=2012-06-26}}</ref> Seminis developed new vegetable varieties using advanced cross-pollination methods. Monsanto indicated that Seminis would continue with non-GM development, while not ruling out GM in the longer term.<ref name="economist-seminis">{{cite magazine |title=Lord of the seeds |url=https://www.economist.com/business/2005/01/27/lord-of-the-seeds |access-date=September 26, 2018 |magazine=The Economist |date=January 27, 2005}}</ref> | |||
===''Terminator'' seed controversy=== | |||
{{Main|Genetic use restriction technology}} | |||
In June 2007, Monsanto purchased ], a major cotton seed breeder, for $1.5 billion.<ref>{{cite web | title = Monsanto Company Completes Acquisition of Delta and Pine Land Company, Seeks Approval of Related Divestitures | date = June 1, 2007 | url = http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/524921}}</ref> As a condition for approval from the ], Monsanto was obligated to divest its Stoneville cotton business, which it sold to ], and to divest its NexGen cotton business, which it sold to ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hpj.com/archives/2007/jun07/jun11/Monsantoreachesagreementwit.cfm |title=Monsanto reaches agreement with Department of Justice to acqui |publisher=Hpj.com |date=June 7, 2007 |access-date=August 14, 2012 |archive-date=October 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015100816/http://www.hpj.com/archives/2007/jun07/jun11/Monsantoreachesagreementwit.cfm }}</ref> Monsanto also exited the pig-breeding business by selling Monsanto Choice Genetics to ] LC in November, divesting itself of "any and all swine-related patents, patent applications, and all other intellectual property".<ref name=r1>{{cite book|last=Twine|first=Richard|title=Animals As Biotechnology: Ethics, Sustainability and Critical Animal Studies |url={{Google books |plainurl=y |id=C6osZJLbJ3cC|page=108}} |publisher=Earthscan |year=2010 |pages=108– |isbn=978-1-84977-635-6}}</ref>{{rp|108}} In 2007, Monsanto and ] announced a long-term agreement to cooperate in the research, development, and marketing of new plant biotechnology products.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.corporate.basf.com/de/investor/veranstaltungen/termine/070321_interview.htm?id=V00-Eq3z_CNjlbcp.*0 |title=BASF-Gruppe: Interview Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht zur Zusammenarbeit mit Monsanto |publisher=Corporate.basf.com |date=March 21, 2007 |access-date=June 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124043448/http://www.corporate.basf.com/de/investor/veranstaltungen/termine/070321_interview.htm?id=V00-Eq3z_CNjlbcp.*0 |archive-date=November 24, 2012 }}</ref> | |||
In June 2007,<ref>. Retrieved on 5 May 2010</ref> Monsanto acquired Delta & Pine Land Company, a company that had patented a seed technology nicknamed ''Terminators''. This technology, which was never known to have been used commercially, produces plants that have sterile seeds so they do not flower or grow fruit after the initial planting. This prevents the spread of those seeds into the wild, however it also requires customers to repurchase seed for every planting in which they use ''Terminator'' seed varieties. In recent years, widespread opposition from environmental organizations and farmer associations has grown, mainly out of the concerns that seeds using this technology could increase farmers' dependency on seed suppliers. | |||
In 2008, Monsanto purchased Dutch seed company ] Seeds for €546 million,<ref>{{cite news |title=De Ruiter Seeds Acquisition |date=March 31, 2008 |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/deruiter-monsanto-idINWNAS636420080331 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306172450/http://in.reuters.com/article/deruiter-monsanto-idINWNAS636420080331 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |publisher=Reuters}}</ref> and sold its POSILAC bovine somatotropin brand and related business to ] Animal Health, a division of ], in August for $300 million plus "additional contingent consideration".<ref>{{cite web |title=Eli Lilly and Company to Acquire Monsanto's POSILAC Brand Dairy Product and Related Business |date=August 20, 2008 |url=http://monsanto.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=629 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603213428/http://monsanto.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=629 |archive-date=June 3, 2010 }}</ref> | |||
In 1999, Monsanto pledged not to commercialize ''Terminator'' technology.<ref>{{cite news|author=John Vidal |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/1999/oct/06/gm.food2 |title=World braced for terminator 2 |publisher=Guardian |date= 1999-10-05|accessdate=2011-10-28 |location=London}}</ref> Delta Vice President, Harry Collins, stated in an October 2000 press interview in the Agra/Industrial Biotechnology Legal Letter, ‘We’ve continued right on with work on the Technology Protection System (TPS or Terminator). We never really slowed down. We’re on target, moving ahead to commercialize it. We never really backed off.’<ref>{{Cite journal | |||
| first = Hugh | |||
| last = Warwick | |||
| editor-last = Wijeratna | |||
| editor-first = Alex | |||
| editor2-last = Meienberg | |||
| editor2-first = François | |||
| editor3-last = Meienberg | |||
| title = Syngenta – Switching off farmers' rights? | |||
| publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | |||
| date = October 2000 | |||
| url = http://www.fao.org/righttofood/KC/downloads/vl/docs/AH428.pdf | |||
| format = PDF | |||
| accessdate =Saturday, 23 October 2010}}</ref> | |||
=== |
====2010 to 2017: Further growth, Syngenta==== | ||
In 2012, Monsanto purchased for $210 million ], a company that produced computer hardware and software designed to enable farmers to increase yield and productivity through more precise planting.<ref>Berry, Ian (May 23, 2012) ''The Wall Street Journal'', Retrieved July 16, 2014</ref> | |||
{{Main|Bovine somatotropin}} | |||
Monsanto purchased San Francisco-based ] for $930 million in 2013.<ref name=gillam2013>{{cite news |title=Monsanto posts deeper fourth-quarter loss, unveils acquisition |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-monsanto-results-idUSBRE9910J520131002 <!--Internet Archive holds versions--> |publisher=Reuters |date=October 2, 2013 |author=Gillam, Carey |access-date=July 1, 2017 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924185532/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/02/us-monsanto-results-idUSBRE9910J520131002 |url-status=live }}</ref> Climate Corp makes local weather forecasts for farmers based on data modelling and historical data; if the forecasts were wrong, the farmer was compensated.<ref name = BloombergVance>Vance, Ashlee (October 2, 2013) Bloomberg Business Week, Technology, Retrieved July 16, 2014</ref> | |||
Monsanto sparked controversy nationwide with the introduction of ] Bovine somatotropin, abbreviated as ] and commonly known as ]. It is a ] that is injected into cows to increase milk production. ] (IGF-1) is a hormone stimulated by rBGH in the cow's blood stream, which is directly responsible for the increase in milk production. IGF-1 is a natural hormone found in the milk of both humans and cows causing the quick growth of infants.{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}} IGF-1 is also normally present in saliva.<ref>The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism April 1, 1992 vol. 74 no. 4 774-778</ref> | |||
In May 2013, a worldwide protest against Monsanto corporation, called ], was held in over 400 cities.<ref>Associated Press. May 25, 2013, . '']''. Retrieved May 25, 2013.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/28/science/a-race-to-save-the-orange-by-altering-its-dna.html?pagewanted=all |title=A Race to Save the Orange by Altering Its DNA |last=Harmon |first=Amy |date=2013-07-27 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2017-12-22 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> A second protest took place in May 2014. | |||
Though this IGF-1 occurs naturally in mothers' milk to be fed to their infants it produces adverse effects in non-infants, behaving as a cancer accelerator in adults and non-infants; this biologically active hormone is associated with breast cancer (correlation shown in premenopausal women),<ref name="pmid9593409">{{Cite journal | |||
|author=Hankinson SE, Willett WC, Colditz GA, Hunter DJ, Michaud DS, Deroo B, Rosner B, Speizer FE, Pollak M | |||
|title=Circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I and risk of breast cancer | |||
|journal=] | |||
|volume=351 | |||
|issue=9113 | |||
|pages=1393–6 | |||
|year=1998 | |||
|month=May | |||
|pmid=9593409 | |||
|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(97)10384-1 | |||
|url=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140-6736(97)10384-1 | |||
}}</ref> prostate cancer,<ref name="pmid9438850">{{Cite journal | |||
|author=Chan JM, Stampfer MJ, Giovannucci E, Gann PH, Ma J, Wilkinson P, Hennekens CH, Pollak M | |||
|title=Plasma insulin-like growth factor-I and prostate cancer risk: a prospective study | |||
|journal=] | |||
|volume=279 | |||
|issue=5350 | |||
|pages=563–6 | |||
|year=1998 | |||
|month=January | |||
|pmid=9438850 | |||
|url=http://www.ejnet.org/bgh/igf-1science.html | |||
|doi=10.1126/science.279.5350.563 | |||
}}</ref> lung cancer<ref name="pmid10882860">{{Cite journal | |||
|author=Pollak M | |||
|title=Insulin-like growth factor physiology and cancer risk | |||
|journal=] | |||
|volume=36 | |||
|issue=10 | |||
|pages=1224–8 | |||
|year=2000 | |||
|month=June | |||
|pmid=10882860 | |||
|url=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0959-8049(00)00102-7 | |||
|doi=10.1016/S0959-8049(00)00102-7 | |||
}}</ref> and colon cancers.<ref name="pmid10882860"/><ref name="pmid12096082">{{Cite journal | |||
|author=Sandhu MS, Dunger DB, Giovannucci EL | |||
|title=Insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF binding proteins, their biologic interactions, and colorectal cancer | |||
|journal=] | |||
|volume=94 | |||
|issue=13 | |||
|pages=972–80 | |||
|year=2002 | |||
|month=July | |||
|pmid=12096082 | |||
|url=http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=12096082 | |||
|doi=10.1093/jnci/94.13.972 | |||
}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto tried to acquire Swiss agro-biotechnology rival ] for US$46.5 billion in 2015, but failed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoinegara/2015/08/26/monsanto-drops-46-5-billion-offer-for-syngenta-stock-buyback-double-earnings-market-rout/#1b56f8803894|title=Monsanto Drops $46.5B Bid For Syngenta, Paving Way For Stock Buyback Amid Market Rout|last=Gara|first=Antoine|website=Forbes|access-date=May 23, 2016}}</ref> In that year Monsanto was the world's biggest supplier of seeds, controlling 26% of the global seed market (Du Pont was second with 21%).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/dow-dupont-merger-could-create-global-farm-supply-giant.htm |title=Dow-DuPont merger could create global farm supply giant |last=Jones |first=David |date=2015-12-10 |website=Farmers Weekly |language=en-GB |access-date=2016-09-07}}</ref> Monsanto was the only manufacturer of ] for military use in the US.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fbo.gov/utils/view?id=aa766891fe32cf9ae7f87f3c7d3611a3|title=Department of the Army Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition |website= www.fbo.gov |language=en-US |date= January 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220080213/https://www.fbo.gov/utils/view?id=aa766891fe32cf9ae7f87f3c7d3611a3|archive-date=2016-12-20}}</ref> | |||
A Monsanto-sponsored survey of milk showed no significant difference in rBST levels in milk labeled as "]" or "]" vs milk not labeled as such.<ref name="pmid18589029">{{Cite journal | |||
|author=Vicini J., Etherton T., Kris-Etherton P., Ballam J., Denham S., Staub R., Goldstein D., Cady R., McGrath M., Lucy M. | |||
|title=Survey of retail milk composition as affected by label claims regarding farm-management practices | |||
|journal=] | |||
|volume=108 | |||
|issue=7 | |||
|pages=1198–203 | |||
|year=2008 | |||
|month=July | |||
|pmid=18589029 | |||
|doi=10.1016/j.jada.2008.04.021 | |||
|url=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0002-8223(08)00513-0 | |||
}}</ref> | |||
===="Post-Pharmacia" Monsanto overview==== | |||
According to '']''<ref> from '']''</ref> Monsanto's brand of rBST, ], has recently (March 2008) been the focus for a pro-rBST advocacy group called ], made up of large dairy business conglomerates and closely affiliated with Monsanto itself. This group has engaged in large-scale lobbying efforts at the state level to prevent milk which is rBST-free from being labeled as such. As milk labeled as hormone-free has proved enormously popular with consumers, the primary justification by AFACT for their efforts has been that rBST is approved by the United States ] (FDA) and that the popularity of milk sold without it is damaging what they claim to be the right of dairy producers to use a more profitable technology. | |||
{| class="collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%; border:solid 1px #aaa" | |||
Thus far, a large-scale negative ] to AFACT's legislative and regulatory efforts has kept state regulators from pushing through restrictions that would ban hormone-free milk labels, though several politicians have tried, including ]'s agriculture secretary Dennis Wolff, who tried to ban rBST-free milk labeling on the grounds that "consumers are confused". The statement by Agriculture Secretary Wolff was reported by pro-biotech site Earth Friendly-Farm Friendly which elaborated on the issues of rBGH/rBST labelling: | |||
|- | |||
! style="background:#F0F2F5" | Chart of Monsanto's mergers, acquisitions, ] and historical predecessors: | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
{{cladeR | style=font-size:90%;line-height:110% |thickness=0 | |||
|label1='''Monsanto Inc.'''<!-- LEVEL 1--> | |||
|1={{cladeR | |||
|1={{clade sequential |inverse=yes |reverse=yes | |||
|1=Monsanto<br/><small>(Spun off from ] 2000)</small> | |||
|2=Emergent Genetics<br /><small>(Acq 2005)</small> | |||
|3=]<br /><small>(Acq 2005)</small> | |||
|4=Icoria, Inc.<br /><small>(Selected assets, Acq 2005)</small> | |||
|5=]<br /><small>(Acq 2007)</small> | |||
|6=Monsanto's Asia subsidiaries<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/devgen-acquire-rice-sunflower-sorghum-and-pearl-millet-businesses-india-and-other-asia|title=Devgen to Acquire Rice, Sunflower, Sorghum and Pearl Millet Businesses in India and Other Asian Countries From Monsanto|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043048/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/devgen-acquire-rice-sunflower-sorghum-and-pearl-millet-businesses-india-and-other-asia|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Sold to Devgen, 2007)</small> | |||
|7=Monsanto Choice Genetics<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/newsham-genetics-acquiring-monsanto-choice-genetics|title=Newsham Genetics Acquiring Monsanto Choice Genetics|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521211934/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/newsham-genetics-acquiring-monsanto-choice-genetics|archive-date=May 21, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Sold to Newsham Genetics, 2007)</small> | |||
|8=De Ruiter Seeds<br /><small>(Acq 2008)</small> | |||
|9=Agroeste Sementes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-company-acquires-agroeste-sementes-brazilian-corn-seed-company|title=Monsanto Company Acquires Agroeste Sementes, a Brazilian Corn Seed Company|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101508/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-company-acquires-agroeste-sementes-brazilian-corn-seed-company|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Acq 2008)</small> | |||
|10=Monsanto's Dairy Product Business<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/eli-lilly-and-company-acquire-monsantos-posilac-brand-dairy-product-and-related-busine|title=Eli Lilly and Company to Acquire Monsanto's POSILAC Brand Dairy Product and Related Business|work=monsanto.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701071236/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/eli-lilly-and-company-acquire-monsantos-posilac-brand-dairy-product-and-related-busine|archive-date=July 1, 2017}}</ref><br /><small>(Sold to ], 2008)</small> | |||
|11={{clade sequential |reverse=yes | |||
|1=Aly Participacoes Ltda<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-company-invest-technologies-sugarcane-acquisitions-canavialis-and-alellyx|title=Monsanto Company to Invest in Technologies for Sugarcane With Acquisitions of CanaVialis and Alellyx|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105524/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-company-invest-technologies-sugarcane-acquisitions-canavialis-and-alellyx|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Acq 2008)</small> | |||
|2=CanaVialis S.A. | |||
|3=Alellyx S.A. | |||
}} | |||
|12=Monsanto's Global Sunflower Assets<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/syngenta-acquire-monsantos-global-sunflower-assets|title=Syngenta to Acquire Monsanto's Global Sunflower Assets|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103914/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/syngenta-acquire-monsantos-global-sunflower-assets|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Sold to ], 2009)</small> | |||
|13=Divergence, Inc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-acquires-agricultural-technology-leader-divergence-inc|title=Monsanto Acquires Agricultural Technology Leader Divergence, Inc.|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027014432/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-acquires-agricultural-technology-leader-divergence-inc|archive-date=October 27, 2015}}</ref><br /><small>(Acq 2011)</small> | |||
|14=Beeologics<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-acquires-targeted-pest-control-technology-start|title=Monsanto Acquires Targeted-Pest Control Technology Start-Up|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070435/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-acquires-targeted-pest-control-technology-start|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Acq 2011)</small> | |||
|15=Precision Planting Inc.<br /><small>(Acq 2012)</small> | |||
|16={{cladeR | |||
|1=]<br /><small>(Acq 2013)</small> | |||
|2=640 Labs<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/climate/climate-corporation-acquires-640-labs-team-bolster-industry-leading-data-scien|title=The Climate Corporation Acquires 640 Labs, Team to Bolster Industry-Leading Data Science Capabilities|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304130313/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/climate/climate-corporation-acquires-640-labs-team-bolster-industry-leading-data-scien|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Acq 2014)</small> | |||
}} | |||
|17=Agradis, Inc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/corporate/monsanto-acquires-select-assets-agradis-inc-support-work-agricultural-biolog|title=Monsanto Acquires Select Assets of Agradis, Inc. to Support Work in Agricultural Biologicals|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016115328/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/corporate/monsanto-acquires-select-assets-agradis-inc-support-work-agricultural-biolog|archive-date=October 16, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Select assets, Acq 2013)</small> | |||
|18=Rosetta Green Ltd<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/corporate/monsanto-acquires-plant-trait-developer-rosetta-green|title=Monsanto Acquires Plant Trait Developer Rosetta Green|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072243/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/corporate/monsanto-acquires-plant-trait-developer-rosetta-green|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Acq 2013)</small> | |||
}} | |||
|label2=American Seeds, Inc. | |||
<blockquote>"Consumers are getting confused with the extra labels," said Pennsylvania Ag Secretary Dennis Wolff. "They deserve a choice, and so do producers. But from the standpoint of safety, all milk is healthy milk. Our milk is a safe product. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is not in a position to say use rBST or not. The key word is: choice. I used rBST from day one of its approval to the last day that I milked cows. It was an important management tool on my dairy farm. What we oppose is the negative advertising or the selling of fear. If producers are asked to give up a production efficiency, and if that efficiency nets them $3000 or $10,000 a year for their dairy farm… That's a lot of money.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthfarmfriendly.com/News/frustvenmilkmrkt-102606.html |title=Frustrations Vented Over Questionable Milk Marketing Practices – October 26, 2006 |publisher=Earthfarmfriendly.com |date=26 October 2006 |accessdate=24 September 2010}}</ref></blockquote> | |||
|2={{clade sequential |inverse=yes |reverse=yes | |||
|10=Diener Seeds<ref name="monsanto.com">{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsantos-american-seeds-inc-announces-five-acquisitions-support-locally-oriented-busi|title=Monsanto's American Seeds, Inc. Announces Five Acquisitions to Support Locally-Oriented Business Model|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904005219/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsantos-american-seeds-inc-announces-five-acquisitions-support-locally-oriented-busi|archive-date=September 4, 2015}}</ref><br /><small>(Seed marketing and sales businesses, Acq 2006)</small> | |||
|9=Sieben Hybrids<ref name="monsanto.com"/><br /><small>(Acq 2006)</small> | |||
|8=Kruger Seed Company<ref name="monsanto.com"/><br /><small>(Acq 2006)</small> | |||
|7=Trisler Seed Farms<ref name="monsanto.com"/><br /><small>(Acq 2006)</small> | |||
|6=Campbell Seed<br /><small>(Seed marketing and sales business, Acq 2006)</small> | |||
|5=Gold Country Seed, Inc.<ref name="monsanto.com1">{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsantos-american-seeds-inc-announces-two-strategic-acquisitions-support-locally-orie|title=Monsanto's American Seeds, Inc. Announces Two Strategic Acquisitions to Support Locally-Oriented Business Model|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101519/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsantos-american-seeds-inc-announces-two-strategic-acquisitions-support-locally-orie|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Acq 2006)</small> | |||
|4=Heritage Seeds<ref name="monsanto.com1"/><br /><small>(Acq 2006)</small> | |||
|3=NC+ Hybrids, Inc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-adds-nc-hybrids-american-seeds-inc-bolstering-regional-seed-company-approach-|title=Monsanto Adds NC+ Hybrids to American Seeds, Inc., Bolstering Regional Seed Company Approach to Serve Farmers|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104304/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-adds-nc-hybrids-american-seeds-inc-bolstering-regional-seed-company-approach-|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Acq 2005)</small> | |||
|2=Specialty Hybrids<ref name="monsanto.com2">{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/new-additions-american-seeds-inc-accelerate-growth-monsantos-regional-seed-company-app|title=New Additions to American Seeds, Inc. Accelerate Growth in Monsanto's Regional Seed Company Approach|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121153712/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/new-additions-american-seeds-inc-accelerate-growth-monsantos-regional-seed-company-app|archive-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref><br /><small>(Acq 2005)</small> | |||
|1={{cladeR | |||
|5=Fontanelle Hybrids<ref name="monsanto.com2"/><br /><small>(Acq 2005)</small> | |||
|4=Stewart Seeds<ref name="monsanto.com2"/><br /><small>(Acq 2005)</small> | |||
|3=Trelay Seeds<ref name="monsanto.com2"/><br /><small>(Acq 2005)</small> | |||
|2=Stone Seeds<ref name="monsanto.com2"/><br /><small>(Acq 2005)</small> | |||
|1=Channel Bio Corp<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-forms-american-seeds-inc-investment-vehicle-regional-seed-companies|title=Monsanto Forms American Seeds, Inc., an Investment Vehicle for Regional Seed Companies|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105817/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-forms-american-seeds-inc-investment-vehicle-regional-seed-companies|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Acq 2004)</small> | |||
}} | |||
}} | |||
|label3=International Seed Group, Inc. | |||
Proposed labeling changes have been floated by AFACT lobbyists in ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] thus far.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}} | |||
|3={{cladeR | |||
|1=Poloni Semences<ref name="monsanto.com3">{{cite web|url=http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-forms-holding-company-invest-international-fruit-and-vegetable-seed-companies|title=Monsanto Forms Holding Company to Invest in International Fruit and Vegetable Seed Companies|work=monsanto.com|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105827/http://news.monsanto.com/press-release/monsanto-forms-holding-company-invest-international-fruit-and-vegetable-seed-companies|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><br /><small>(Acq 2007)</small> | |||
|2=Charentais melon breeding company<ref name="monsanto.com3"/><br /><small>(Acq 2007)</small> | |||
In October 2008, Monsanto sold this business, in full, to ] for a price of $300 million plus additional considerations.<ref name="urlEli Lilly to Buy Monsanto’s Dairy Cow Hormone for $300 million - DealBook Blog - NYTimes.com">{{Cite news|url=http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/eli-lilly-to-buy-monsantos-dairy-cow-hormone-for-300-million/ |title=Eli Lilly to Buy Monsanto’s Dairy Cow Hormone for $300 million - DealBook Blog |work=The New York Times| date=20 August 2008}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
}} | |||
}} | |||
|} | |||
=== |
=== Sale to Bayer === | ||
In September 2016, Monsanto agreed to be acquired by ] for US$66 billion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/bayers-all-cash-offer-values-monsanto-at-62-billion-1463981986|title=Bayer Makes $62 Billion Bid for Monsanto|last=Alessi|first=Christopher|date=May 23, 2016 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660|access-date=May 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37361556|title=Bayer confirms $66bn Monsanto takeover|date=September 14, 2016|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=June 5, 2018}}</ref> In an effort to receive regulatory clearance for the deal, Bayer announced the sale of significant portions of its current agriculture businesses, including its seed and herbicide businesses, to ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/bayer-to-sell-assets-to-basf-for-7-billion-subject-to-monsanto-acquisition-1507877275|title=Bayer to Sell Assets to BASF for $7 Billion Amid Scrutiny of Monsanto Megadeal|last1=Shevlin|first1=Anthony|date=2017-10-13|work=]|access-date=2018-06-05|last2=Drozdiak|first2=Natalia|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-competition-bureau-asks-bayer-to-divest-some-canadian-assets-to-win/|title=Competition Bureau asks Bayer to divest some Canadian assets to win Monsanto deal approval|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref> | |||
In 2002, '']'' carried a front page report on Monsanto's legacy of environmental damage in ] related to its legal production of ](PCBs), a chemical once used as a common electrical insulator, 40 years ago. Plaintiffs in a pending lawsuit provided documentation showing that the local Monsanto factory knowingly discharged both ] and ]-laden waste into local creeks for over 40 years.<ref>{{Cite news | |||
|title=Monsanto Hid Decades Of Pollution | |||
|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A46648-2001Dec31 | |||
|work=Washington Post | |||
|accessdate=11 October 2009 | |||
| first=Michael | |||
| last=Grunwald | |||
| date=1 January 2002}}</ref> In a story on January 27, '']'' reported that during 1969 alone Monsanto had dumped 45 tons of PCBs into Snow Creek, a feeder for Choccolocco Creek which supplies much of the area's drinking water. The company also buried millions of pounds of PCB in open-pit landfills located on hillsides above the plant and surrounding neighborhoods.<ref>{{Cite news|title= PCB Pollution Suits Have Day in Court in Alabama |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C04EED7143AF934A15752C0A9649C8B63|work=The New York Times|accessdate=1 October 2008 | first=Kevin | last=Sack | date=27 January 2002}}</ref> In August 2003, ] and Monsanto agreed to pay plaintiffs $700 million to settle claims by over 20,000 Anniston residents related to PCB contamination.<ref>{{Cite news | |||
|title=$700 million deal announced in Anniston PCBs cases | |||
|date=19 August 2003 | |||
|url=http://www.ewg.org/node/15673 | |||
|agency=Associated Press | |||
|accessdate=11 October 2009}}</ref> | |||
The deal was approved by the European Union on March 21, 2018,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-21/bayer-clears-eu-hurdle-for-monsanto-deal-with-basf-sale-pledge|title=Bayer Clears EU Hurdle for Monsanto Deal With BASF Sale|first=Aoife|last=White|work=]|publisher=]|location=]|date=March 21, 2018|access-date=March 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/8c3d51d0-6349-11e8-90c2-9563a0613e56 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/8c3d51d0-6349-11e8-90c2-9563a0613e56 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription|title=US set to approve Bayer-Monsanto deal with divestures|website=Financial Times|date=May 29, 2018|language=en-GB|access-date=2018-06-05|last1=Dye|first1=Jessica|last2=Shubber|first2=Kadhim}}{{subscription required}}</ref> and approved in the United States on May 29, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-29/bayer-wins-u-s-nod-for-monsanto-nearing-end-of-two-year-quest|title=Bayer Wins U.S. Approval for Monsanto After Two-Year Quest|date=2018-05-29|work=Bloomberg.com|access-date=2018-06-05|language=en}}</ref> The sale closed on June 7, 2018; Bayer announced its intent to discontinue the Monsanto name, with the combined company operating solely under the Bayer brand.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/agribusiness-and-food/bayer-to-ditch-monsanto-name-after-closing-54bn-deal-1.3519972|title=Bayer to ditch Monsanto name after closing €54bn deal|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=2018-06-05|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/07/germanys-bayer-closes-monsanto-deal-plans-to-drop-us-companys-name.html|title=Germany's Bayer closes $63 billion Monsanto takeover, plans to drop US company's name|last=Daniels|first=Jeff|date=2018-06-07|work=CNBC|access-date=2018-06-19}}</ref> | |||
==Legal issues== | |||
Monsanto is notable for its involvement in high profile lawsuits, as both plaintiff and defendant. It has been involved in a number of ] suits, where fines and damages have run into the hundreds of millions of dollars, usually over health issues related to its products. Monsanto has also made frequent use of the courts to defend its patents, particularly in the area of ]. | |||
Under the terms of merger, Bayer promised to maintain Monsanto's more than 9,000 U.S. jobs and add 3,000 new U.S. high-tech positions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bayer-monsanto-idINF9N0ZM02D|title=Bayer, Monsanto pledge U.S. R&D spending, jobs after merger|newspaper=Reuters |date=January 17, 2017|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto has received media coverage for its alleged unfair suing of farmers, highlighted in the documentary ''].''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.searchofficespace.com/sos-news/the-worlds-10-most-unethical-companies.html |title=The world's 10 most unethical companies | The Search Office Space Blog|publisher=News.searchofficespace.com |date=2011-05-16 |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> | |||
The prospective merger parties said at the time the combined agriculture business planned to spend $16 billion on research and development over the next six years and at least $8 billion on research and development in United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/monsanto-shares-up-on-bayer-trump-promise-for-billions-in-u-s-investment-jobs|title = Monsanto Shares up on Bayer-Trump Promise for Billions in U.S. Investment, Jobs|website = ]|date = January 13, 2017}}</ref> | |||
===As defendant=== | |||
In 1971, the US government filed suit against Monsanto over the safety of its original product, ]; Monsanto eventually won, after several years in court.<ref name="saccharin"> ''Metro, Silicon Valley's Weekly Newspaper''. 11–17 May 2000.</ref> | |||
Bayer would also establish its new global Seeds & Traits and North American commercial headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.missouripartnership.com/bayer-monsanto-complete-merger-establish-global-seeds-traits-north-american-headquarters-missouri/|title=Missouri Partnership | Economic Development | Bayer & Monsanto Complete Merger, Establish Global Seeds & Traits and North American Headquarters In Missouri|date=June 11, 2018|website=Missouri Partnership}}</ref> | |||
It was sued, along with ] and other chemical companies by veterans for the side effects of its ] defoliant, used by the US military in the ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3798581.stm|title=Vietnam's war against Agent Orange|date=14 June 2004 |work=BBC News | first=Tom | last=Fawthrop}}</ref> | |||
The Bayer-Monsanto merger is widely considered to be one of the worst mergers in history, mostly due to the exposure to ] litigation.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Farrell |first=Maureen |date=2023-12-06 |title=Years After Monsanto Deal, Bayer's Roundup Bills Keep Piling Up |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/06/business/monsanto-bayer-roundup-lawsuit-settlements.html |access-date=2023-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206112824/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/06/business/monsanto-bayer-roundup-lawsuit-settlements.html |archive-date=December 6, 2023}}</ref><ref name=":02"/><ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> By 2023, Bayer's market value had declined by over 60% since its 2016 merger, leaving the company's overall worth at less than half of what it paid to acquire Monsanto.<ref name=":4" /> | |||
Monsanto was the defendant in the longest civil jury trial in U.S. history, '']''. This case ran from February 1984 through October 1987. The case involved a group of plaintiffs who claimed to have been poisoned by dioxin in a 1979 chemical spill that occurred in Sturgeon, Missouri.<ref>{{Dead link|date=September 2010}}</ref> | |||
==Products and associated issues== | |||
In 2000, GLC sued Monsanto for the $71 million shortfall in expected sales. | |||
===Current products=== | |||
In 2003, Monsanto reached a $300 million settlement with people in Alabama affected by the manufacturing and dumping of the toxic chemical polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).<ref name=Alabama>http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/236012-ala.-sc-makes-ruling-in-cases-over-300m-monsanto-settlement</ref> | |||
====Glyphosate herbicides==== | |||
In 2004, the world's largest ] company, Switzerland's ], launched a US lawsuit charging Monsanto with using coercive tactics to monopolize markets.<ref name="organicconsumers.org"> from ]</ref> There are several lawsuits going both ways between Monsanto and Syngenta. | |||
{{See also|Glyphosate}} | |||
Following its 1970 introduction, Monsanto's last commercially relevant United States patent on the herbicide glyphosate (brand name RoundUp) expired in 2000. Glyphosate has since been marketed by many ] companies, in various solution strengths and with various ], under dozens of tradenames.<ref>Farm Chemicals International </ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fruits/gapeach/pdf/mirror.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614082039/http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fruits/gapeach/pdf/mirror.pdf |archive-date=2010-06-14 |url-status=live |title=Mirror or Mirror on the Wall Show Me the Best Glyphosate Formulation of All |author=Mitchem W |publisher=North Carolina State University Extension |access-date=July 23, 2013}}</ref><ref name="urlISU Weed Science Online - Glyphosate - A Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.weeds.iastate.edu/mgmt/2001/glyphosate%20review.htm#Glyphosate%20Products |title=ISU Weed Science Online – Glyphosate – A Review |author=Hartzler B |publisher=Iowa State University Extension |access-date=August 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518051215/http://www.weeds.iastate.edu/mgmt/2001/glyphosate%20review.htm#Glyphosate%20Products |archive-date=May 18, 2018 }}</ref><ref name="Weed Handbook Glyphosate">{{cite web |url=http://www.invasive.org/gist/products/handbook/14.Glyphosate.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021002518/http://www.invasive.org/gist/products/handbook/14.Glyphosate.pdf |archive-date=2012-10-21 |url-status=live |title=Glyphosate |vauthors=Tu M, Hurd C, Robison R, Randall JM |date=November 1, 2001 |work=Weed Control Methods Handbook |publisher=The Nature Conservancy}}</ref> As of 2009, glyphosate represented about 10% of Monsanto's revenue.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14904184 |title=The debate over whether Monsanto is a corporate sinner or saint |date=November 19, 2009 |magazine=The Economist |access-date=November 20, 2009}}</ref> Roundup-related products (which include genetically modified seeds) represented about half of Monsanto's ].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/2009/06/29/monsanto-potash-fertilizer-personal-finance-investing-ideas-agrium-mosaic.html |title=The Seeds Of A Monsanto Short Play |author= Cavallaro M |date=June 26, 2009 |magazine=Forbes |access-date=July 11, 2009}}</ref> | |||
In 2005, the ] filed a Deferred Prosecution Agreement<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.law.virginia.edu/pdf/faculty/garrett/monsanto.pdf |title=United States of America v. Monsanto Company (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) |publisher=United States District Court for the District of Columbia |accessdate=3 October 2010}}</ref> in which Monsanto admitted to violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1) and making false entries into its books and records (15 U.S.C § 78m(b)(2) & (5)). | |||
====Crop seed==== | |||
In late 2006, the Correctional Tribunal of ], France, ordered two directors of Monsanto subsidiary Asgrow to pay a €15,000 fine related to their knowledge of the presence of unauthorized GMOs in bags of seeds imported by Asgrow on 13 April 2000.<ref>{{Cite news | |||
{{See also|Hybrid seed|Genetically modified crops|Genetically modified food|Genetically modified food controversies}} | |||
| title = French Monsanto subsidiary found guilty of GMO contamination | |||
| newspaper=translation of a France Nature Environnement press release | |||
| date = 14 December 2006 | |||
| url = http://www.laleva.org/eng/2006/12/french_monsanto_subsidiary_found_guilty_of_gmo_contamination.html | |||
| accessdate =11 October 2009}}</ref> | |||
As of 2015, Monsanto's line of seed products included corn, cotton, soy and vegetable seeds. | |||
In November 2010, a federal judge ordered the destruction of plantings of genetically modified sugar beets developed by Monsanto after ruling previously that the U.S. Agriculture Department had illegally approved the biotech crop.<ref>{{Cite news | |||
| title = Monsanto GMO sugarbeets to be destroyed: court | |||
| date = 30 November 2010 | |||
| url = http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B00Y520101201 | |||
| work=Reuters}}</ref> | |||
=== |
==== Row crops ==== | ||
Many of Monsanto's agricultural seed products are genetically modified, such as for resistance to ]s, including glyphosate and ]. Monsanto calls glyphosate-tolerant seeds ''Roundup Ready''. Monsanto's introduction of this system (planting a glyphosate-resistant seed and then applying glyphosate once plants emerged) allowed farmers to increase yield by planting rows closer together.<ref name=HighPlainsJ>{{cite web |url=http://www.hpj.com/archives/roundup-ready-soybean-trait-patent-nears-expiration-in/article_8c7a83b7-2a37-5291-9204-2633eb3e4c0d.html |title=Roundup Ready soybean trait patent nears expiration in 2014 |publisher=High Plains Journal |date=August 10, 2010 |author=Latzke, Jennifer M. |access-date=March 23, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107122725/https://www.hpj.com/archives/roundup-ready-soybean-trait-patent-nears-expiration-in/article_8c7a83b7-2a37-5291-9204-2633eb3e4c0d.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Without it, farmers had to plant rows far enough apart to allow the control of post-emergent weeds with mechanical tillage.<ref name=HighPlainsJ /> Farmers widely adopted the technology—for example over 80% of maize (]), ] (MON-Ø4Ø32-6), cotton, ] and ] planted in the United States are ]-tolerant. Monsanto developed a Roundup Ready ] (]) but ended development in 2004 due to concerns from wheat exporters about the rejection of genetically modified (GM) wheat by foreign markets.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Person|first1=Daniel|title=Sale could change wheat industry: WestBred's owner Monsanto looks to develop 'genetically modified' varieties|url=http://missoulian.com/business/agriculture/sale-could-change-wheat-industry-westbred-s-owner-monsanto-looks/article_1db27912-ac3b-11de-8024-001cc4c002e0.html|website=Missoulian|date=September 28, 2009|access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref> | |||
Since the mid-1990s, it has sued 145 individual US farmers for ] in connection with its genetically engineered seed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monsanto.com/newsviews/Pages/saved-seed-farmer-lawsuits.aspx|author=Monsanto Company|title=Saved Seed and Farmer Lawsuits|accessdate=23 October 2010}}</ref> The usual claim involves violation of a technology agreement that prohibits farmers from saving seed from one season's crop to plant the next, a common farming practice.<ref>{{cite web | |||
| title = The World Trade Organization at Cancún – Agriculture and the Environment | |||
| publisher=Sierra Club of/du Canada | |||
| url = http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/programs/sustainable-economy/trade-environment/wto-cancun-agriculture-env.html | |||
| accessdate =Saturda, 23 October 2010}}</ref> | |||
One farmer received an eight-month prison sentence for violating a court order to destroy seeds,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gene.ch/genet/2003/May/msg00044.html|author=Peter Shinkle, St. Louis Post-Dispatch|title=Farmer who lied in dispute with Monsanto will go to prison|date=7 May 2003|accessdate=20 August 2009}}</ref> in addition to having to pay damages, when a Monsanto case turned into a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/Article.aspx?id=30496|author=Andy Meek, Memphis Daily News|title=Down and Out in Covington – Farmer struggles to re-emerge after $3 million judgment, prison term in Monsanto case|date=22 June 2006|publisher=]|accessdate=20 August 2009}}</ref> | |||
Two patents were critical to Monsanto's GM soybean business; one expired in 2011 and the other in 2014.<ref>Patently-O Blog, September 26, 2011. </ref> The second expiration meant that glyphosate resistant soybeans became "generic".<ref name="HighPlainsJ" /><ref>Andrew Pollack, , ''The New York Times''. December 17, 2009.</ref><ref>Illinois Soybean Association {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154825/http://www.ilsoy.org/sites/default/files/documents/1105.pdf |date=April 2, 2015 }}</ref><ref>Monsanto Official Website {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122132343/http://www.monsanto.com/newsviews/Pages/roundup-ready-patent-expiration.aspx |date=January 22, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_05/b4165019364939.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127202826/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_05/b4165019364939.htm|archive-date=January 27, 2010|title=Monsanto Will Let Bio-Crop Patents Expire|date=January 21, 2010|work=Business Week}}</ref> The first harvest of generic glyphosate-tolerant soybeans came in 2015.<ref>Monsanto. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208222145/http://www.monsanto.com/newsviews/pages/roundup-ready-patent-expiration.aspx |date=February 8, 2015 }}</ref> Monsanto broadly licensed the patent to other seed companies that include glyphosate resistance trait in their seed products.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monsanto.com/whoweare/Pages/seed-licensing.aspx |title=Monsanto ~ Licensing |publisher=Monsanto.com |date=November 3, 2008 }}</ref> About 150 companies have licensed the technology,<ref>. NPR.</ref> including competitors Syngenta<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syngenta-us.com/legal/useragreement.html |title=User Agreement and Legal Information|publisher=Syngenta.com}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pioneer.com/home/site/us/agronomy/library/template.CONTENT/guid.80D8C28A-31F7-C434-64D9-D61AAF9D661C/ |title=Agronomy Library – Pioneer Hi-Bred Agronomy Library |publisher=Pioneer.com |access-date=August 30, 2012 |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017162512/https://www.pioneer.com/home/site/us/agronomy/library/template.CONTENT/guid.80D8C28A-31F7-C434-64D9-D61AAF9D661C/ }}</ref> | |||
In 2003, Monsanto sued ] in ] for advertising that its milk products did not come from cows treated with bovine growth hormone, claiming that such advertising hurt its business. The president of Oakhurst responded by saying, "We ought to have the right to let people know what is and is not in our milk."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.democracynow.org/2003/7/14/headlines#7145|author=Democracy Now, Headlines|title=Monsanto Sues Milk Producer For Advertising It Sells Hormone-Free Milk|date=14 July 2003|publisher=]|accessdate=27 May 2012}}</ref> The case was later settled out of court under a confidential agreement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Monsanto v. Oakhurst Dairy|url=http://www.reclaimdemocracy.org/corporate_speech/monsanto_oakhurst_wired.html|accessdate=27 May 2012}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto invented and sells genetically modified seeds that make a crystalline insecticidal protein from '']'', known as Bt. In 1995 Monsanto's potato plants producing Bt toxin were approved by the ], following approval by the FDA, making it the first pesticide-producing crop to be approved in the United States.<ref> | |||
In 1998, Monsanto's patented genes were discovered in the ] grown on ]'s farm. As a result, Monsanto sued Percy Schmeiser for patent infringement for growing ] ]-resistant ]. The trial judge ruled that Schmeiser had intentionally planted the seeds, ruling that the "infringement arises not simply from occasional or limited contamination of his Roundup susceptible canola by plants that are Roundup resistant. He planted his crop for 1998 with seed that he knew or ought to have known was Roundup tolerant."<ref name="2001FCT256" /> This high profile case, '']'', went to the ] level. | |||
''Lawrence Journal-World'', May 6, 1995.</ref> Monsanto subsequently developed ] (], ], ], ]), ]<ref>{{cite web|author=Crop Biotech Update |url=http://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=6565 |title=Monsanto's Bt Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybeans Approved for Planting in Brazil – Crop Biotech Update (8/27/2010) | ISAAA.org/KC |publisher=Isaaa.org |date=August 27, 2010}}</ref> and ]. | |||
Monsanto produces seed that has multiple genetic modifications, also known as "stacked traits"—for instance, cotton that make one or more Bt proteins and is resistant to glyphosate. One of these, created in collaboration with ], is called ]. In 2011 Monsanto launched the Genuity brand for its stacked-trait products.<ref>. ''SE Farm News'', March 2, 2009.</ref> | |||
Monsanto representative Trish Jordan commented: "This is very good news for us, Mr. Schmeiser had infringed on our patent." After years of legal wrangling, in 2004 the case was heard by the Canadian Supreme Court. The Court ruled in favor of Monsanto, rejecting Schmeiser's argument that by not using Roundup herbicide on the canola, he did not "use" the plant gene. The Court ruled that farming is an activity that requires human intervention, and so by planting the crops, Schmeiser was "using" the plant gene. However, Schmeiser also won a partial victory, with the Supreme Court disagreeing with the damages given by the trial judge. The Supreme Court stated that since Schmeiser did not gain any profit from the infringement, he did not owe Monsanto any damages. Though the amount of damages were low (C$19,382), this also meant that Schmeiser did not have to pay Monsanto's substantial legal bills. | |||
As of 2012, the agricultural seed lineup included ''Roundup Ready'' alfalfa, canola and sugarbeet; Bt and/or ''Roundup Ready'' cotton; sorghum hybrids; soybeans with various oil profiles, most with the ''Roundup Ready'' trait; and a wide range of wheat products, many of which incorporate the nontransgenic "clearfield" imazamox-tolerant<ref>{{cite web|url=http://agproducts.basf.us/products/clearfield-wheat.html |title=The CLEARFIELD Production System for Wheat|publisher=Agproducts.basf.us}}</ref> trait from ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.monsanto.com/products/Pages/monsanto-agricultural-seeds.aspx |title=Monsanto ~ Agricultural Seeds |publisher=Monsanto.com |date=November 3, 2008 |access-date=August 17, 2012 |archive-date=June 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616173630/http://www.monsanto.com/products/Pages/monsanto-agricultural-seeds.aspx }}</ref> | |||
The case did cause Monsanto's enforcement tactics to be highlighted in the media over the years it took to play out.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Gar Smith |title=Percy Schmeiser vs. Monsanto |journal=Earth Island Journal |date=2001 autumn}}</ref> | |||
In 2013 Monsanto launched the first transgenic drought tolerance trait in a line of corn hybrids branded DroughtGard.<ref>OECD BioTrack Database. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701140407/http://www2.oecd.org/biotech/Product.aspx?id=MON-8746%C3%98-4 |date=July 1, 2017 }}</ref> The MON 87460 trait is provided by the insertion of the cspB gene from the soil microbe '']''; it was approved by the USDA in 2011<ref>, Vol. 76, No. 248, December 27, 2011.</ref> and by China in 2013.<ref>Michael Eisenstein ''Nature'' 501, S7–S9 (September 26, 2013) Published online September 25, 2013.</ref> | |||
Monsanto has asked Spanish customs officials to inspect soymeal shipments to determine if they use Monsanto's "Roundup Ready" technology.{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}} | |||
The "Xtend Crop System" includes seed genetically modified to be resistant to both glyphosate and ], and a herbicide product including those two active ingredients.<ref name="XtendOfficial"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402202350/http://www.monsanto.com/products/Pages/roundup-ready-xtend-crop-system.aspx |date=April 2, 2013 }} Accessed May 11, 2013</ref> In December 2014, the system was approved for use in the US. In February 2016, China approved the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.agweb.com/article/roundup-ready-2-xtend-finally-approved-by-china-naa-sonja-begemann/|title=Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Finally Approved by China|website=AgWeb – The Home Page of Agriculture|language=en-US|access-date=May 6, 2016}}</ref> The lack of European Union approval led many American traders to reject the use of Xtend soybeans over concerns that the new seeds would become mixed with EU-approved seeds, leading Europe to reject American soybean exports.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/grain-traders-rejecting-new-soybeans-developed-by-monsanto-1462217040|title=Grain Traders Rejecting New Soybeans Developed by Monsanto|last=Bunge|first=Jacob|date=2016-05-02|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |issn=0099-9660|access-date=May 6, 2016}}</ref> | |||
===Related legal actions=== | |||
==== |
==== India-specific issues ==== | ||
In 2009, Monsanto scientists discovered insects that had developed resistance to the ] planted in ]. Monsanto communicated this to the Indian government and its customers, stating that "Resistance is natural and expected, so measures to delay resistance are important. Among the factors that may have contributed to ] resistance to the Cry1Ac protein in Bollgard I in Gujarat are limited refuge planting and early use of unapproved Bt cotton seed, planted prior to GEAC approval of Bollgard I cotton, which may have had lower protein expression levels."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monsanto.com/newsviews/Pages/india-pink-bollworm.aspx|title=Monsanto ~ Cotton In India|date=November 3, 2008|publisher=Monsanto.com}}</ref> The company advised farmers to switch to its second generation of Bt cotton – Bolgard II – which had two resistance genes instead of one,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/06/stories/2010030664831400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315155536/http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/06/stories/2010030664831400.htm|archive-date=March 15, 2010|title=Bt cotton ineffective against pest in parts of Gujarat, admits Monsanto|date=March 6, 2010|work=]|place=Chennai, India}}</ref> the widely recognised ] to forestall, prevent, and cope with any kind of ].<ref name="USEPA-resis-man">{{cite web | title=Slowing and Combating Pest Resistance to Pesticides | author=US EPA (]) | date=May 12, 2016 | url=http://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/slowing-and-combating-pest-resistance-pesticides | access-date=2021-10-28}}</ref><ref name="Pesti-Stew">{{cite web | last=Buhler | first=Wayne | title=Take Steps to Avoid Insecticide Resistance – Pesticide Environmental Stewardship | website=Pesticide Environmental Stewardship | publisher=] | url=http://pesticidestewardship.org/resistance/insecticide-resistance/take-steps-to-avoid-insecticide-resistance/ | access-date=2021-10-28}}</ref><ref name="WSU Tree Fruit 2018">{{cite web | title=Managing Pesticide Resistance | website=] Tree Fruit | date=2018-05-15 | url=http://treefruit.wsu.edu/crop-protection/opm/resistance/ | access-date=2021-10-28}}</ref><ref name="USDA-NIFA">{{cite web | url=http://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/Insecticide%20resistance.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910030336/http://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/Insecticide%20resistance.pdf |archive-date=2015-09-10 |url-status=live | title=Insecticide Resistance: Causes and Action | author1=] | author2=Regional IPM Centers | website=USDA (])}}</ref><ref name="BASF-insecti-MoAs">{{cite web | url=http://agriculture.basf.com/global/assets/en/Crop%20Protection/innovation/BASF_Insecticide_MoA_Manual_2014.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420062556/https://agriculture.basf.com/global/assets/en/Crop%20Protection/innovation/BASF_Insecticide_MoA_Manual_2014.pdf |archive-date=2021-04-20 |url-status=live | title=Insecticide Mode of Action - Technical Training Manual | author=]}}</ref><ref name="Fr-resis-man">{{cite web | title=La résistance aux produits phytopharmaceutiques | date=2016-03-29 | url=http://agriculture.gouv.fr/la-resistance-aux-produits-phytopharmaceutiques | quote=Il faut aussi ... varier les modes d'actions ... et éviter les faux mélanges de produits ayant le même mode d'action qui ne font qu'augmenter le risque | website=] | first=Christophe | last=Délye | trans-quote=We must also ... vary the MOAs ... and avoid fake mixes with the same MOA which only increase the risk.}}</ref><ref name="De-sustain">{{cite web | url=http://www.bmel.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/Publications/NAP.html | title=National Action Plan on Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products | website=] | quote=The varieties being grown today are usually resistant to or tolerant of individual biotic or abiotic influences. Resistances based solely on one plant characteristic (often controlled through one gene) can be broken by adapting the harmful organisms. Increasingly, the aim in resistance research is to create modern breeding measures which breed polygenic resistant plants with resistance mechanisms that harmful organisms find it difficult to circumvent. | access-date=October 28, 2021 | archive-date=October 30, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030033850/https://www.bmel.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/Publications/NAP.html }}</ref> However, this advice was criticized: "an internal analysis of the statement of the Ministry of Environment and Forests says it 'appears that this could be a business strategy to phase out single gene events and promote double genes which would fetch higher price.{{'"}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/12/stories/2010031263690900.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100314222159/http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/12/stories/2010031263690900.htm|archive-date=March 14, 2010|title=Monsanto 'admission' has business motives?|date=March 12, 2010|work=]|place=Chennai, India}}</ref> | |||
In 1997, it was alleged the news division of ] (Channel 13), a ]-] in ], cooperated with Monsanto in suppressing an investigative report on the health risks associated with Monsanto's ] product, ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proliberty.com/observer/20001204.htm |title=Wilson, Akre describe corporate influence over news |publisher=Proliberty.com |date= |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> Posilac, a synthetic hormone used to increase milk production in cows, while banned in many more developed countries, is used in the United States. ] and ] reported on the dangers of the hormone. They were asked to recant their story and refused. Both reporters were eventually fired. Wilson and Akre alleged the firing was for retaliation, while WTVT contended they were fired for insubordination. The reporters then sued Fox/WTVT in Florida state court, claiming they could not be fired for refusing to do something that they believed to be illegal. In 2000, a Florida jury found that while there was no evidence Fox/WTVT had bowed to any pressure from Monsanto to alter the story, Akre, but not Wilson, was unjustly fired.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/News/081900/TampaBay/Reporter_wins_suit_ov.shtml |title=Reporter wins suit over firing |publisher=Sptimes.com |date=2000-08-19 |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> Fox appealed the decision citing that the FCC CODE that stated the news stations must report the truth, is just a "policy" not a law. The court overturned the decision.<ref>http://www.philly2philly.com/politics_community/politics_community_articles/2009/6/29/4854/fox_news_wins_lawsuit_misinform_public</ref> The decision in Akre's favor was then overturned in 2003 by an appeals court because the ]'s statute under which the original case had been filed did not actually apply to the case. | |||
Monsanto's GM cotton seed was the subject of NGO agitation because of its higher cost. Indian farmers crossed GM varieties with local varieties, using ], violating their agreements with Monsanto.<ref>Ghosh, Pallab (June 17, 2003), , ].</ref> In 2009, high prices of Bt Cotton were blamed for forcing farmers of ] district into debt when the crops died due to lack of rain.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/25/stories/2009082554841400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828160245/http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/25/stories/2009082554841400.htm|archive-date=August 28, 2009|title=Jhabua on its way to becoming Vidarbha-II?|date=August 25, 2009|work=]|place=Chennai, India}}</ref> | |||
In 2009 Monsanto came under scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department, which began investigating whether the company's activities in the soybean markets were breaking ] rules.<ref name="cbsnews.com"/><ref>{{Cite news| url = http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/08/business/main5372772.shtml | title = Monsanto Focus of Antitrust Investigation | work=] | date = 8 October 2009 | accessdate =15 June 2010}}</ref> | |||
==== Vegetables ==== | |||
====Monsanto vs Andhra Pradesh Government in India==== | |||
In 2012 Monsanto was the world's largest supplier of non-GE vegetable seeds by value, with sales of $800M. 95% of the research and development for vegetable seed is in conventional breeding. The company concentrates on improving flavor.<ref name="wsj0612" /> According to their website they sell "4,000 distinct seed varieties representing more than 20 species".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.monsanto.com/products/Pages/vegetable-seeds.aspx |title=Monsanto ~ Monsanto Vegetable Seeds |publisher=Monsanto.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610041315/http://www.monsanto.com/products/Pages/vegetable-seeds.aspx |archive-date=June 10, 2012 }}</ref> Broccoli, with the brand name ''Beneforté'', with increased amounts of ] was introduced in 2010 following development by its ] subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/01/new-monsanto-vegetables/|title=Monsanto is going organic in a quest for the perfect veggie|magazine=Wired|year=2015|author=Wired}}</ref> | |||
The state of ], India, at first resisted '']'' (Bt) cotton, and having failed to block imports of the seed, has more recently attempted to control its price. In 2005, after the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, the Indian regulatory authority, released a fact-finding statement,<ref> | |||
{{Cite news | |||
| title = Three varieties of BT cotton rejected in Andhra Pradesh, India | |||
| url = http://www.twnside.org.sg/title2/service215.htm | |||
| location = Malaysia | |||
| date = 4 June 2005 | |||
}}</ref> the state agriculture minister barred the company from selling cotton seeds in the state of Andhra Pradesh.<ref> | |||
{{Cite news | |||
| title = Angry Andhra uproots Monsanto | |||
| url = http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=92868 | |||
| location = Hyderabad | |||
| date = 23 June 2005 | |||
| accessdate =16 January 2009 | |||
}}</ref> The order was later lifted. More recently, the Andhra Pradesh state government filed several cases<ref name="autogenerated3"> from '']''</ref> against Monsanto and its ] based licensee Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds, after they challenged the order directing the company not to charge a trait price of more than Rs. 900 per pack of 450 grams of Bt. Cotton seed.<ref>{{Cite news | |||
| title = India PM pledge over suicide farmers | |||
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3855517.stm | |||
| agency=BBC | |||
| date = 1 July 2004 | |||
| accessdate =16 January 2009 | |||
|work=BBC News }}</ref> The ] State Government has also sought a compensation package of about Rs 4.5 crore (about 1 Million US$) to be paid by the company to farmers affected in some districts. | |||
=== |
===Former products=== | ||
On 30 March 2011 a group consisting of over 60 family farmers, seed businesses and organic agricultural organizations in Canada and the US, filed a lawsuit against Monsanto Company to challenge the chemical giant’s patents on genetically modified seed. The plaintiffs say they are being forced to sue pre-emptively to protect themselves from being accused of patent infringement should they ever become contaminated by Monsanto’s genetically modified seed. The case, ], et al. v. Monsanto, was filed in federal district court in Manhattan.<ref> | |||
{{Cite news | |||
| title = Canadian and US farmers sue Monsanto to protect themselves | url = http://cban.ca/Press/Press-Releases/Farmers-and-Seed-Distributors-Sue-Monsanto-to-Protect-Themselves-from-Patents-on-Genetically-Modified-Seed | |||
| location = CBAN (Canada) | date = 30 March 2011 | |||
}}</ref> | |||
On January 31, 2012, in New York, a ] heard arguments to determine whether or not to proceed forward with the suit.<ref>http://inthesetimes.com/ittlist/entry/12650/organic_farmers_challenge_monsanto_in_landmark_suit/</ref> The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed the lawsuit on February 24. District Court Judge Naomi Buchwald criticized the plaintiffs for a “transparent effort to create a controversy where none exists.”<ref>http://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/cases/show.php?db=special&id=156</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-monsanto-prevails-in-suit-brought-by-organic-growers-20120227,0,814254.story | work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> The Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association and others already plan to appeal the decision.<ref>{{Cite news | |||
| title = Organic farmers' case against Monsanto thrown out by judge | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/local/environment/la-me-gs-judge-throws-out-farmers-case-against-monsanto-20120227,0,5279762.story | accessdate = 2012-03-24 | author = Dean Kuipers | publisher = ] | date = 2012-02-27 }}</ref> | |||
====Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)==== | |||
===Dumping of toxic waste in the UK=== | |||
Until it ended production in 1977, Monsanto was the source of 99% of the ] (PCBs) used by U.S. industry.<ref name = "ATSDR"/> They were sold under brand names including Aroclor and Santotherm; the name Santotherm is still used for non-chlorinated products.<ref>{{cite journal |first1=Mitchell D. |last1=Erickson |first2=Robert G. |last2=Kaley, II |title=Applications of polychlorinated biphenyls |journal=Environmental Science and Pollution Research International |volume=18 |issue=2 |pages=135–51 |publisher=Springer-Verlag |url=http://cdn.eastchem.com/therminol/Applications_of_PCBs_Erickson_Kaley_Aug2010_AuthorsProof_0.pdf |access-date=2015-03-03 |pmid=20848233 |year=2011 |doi=10.1007/s11356-010-0392-1 |bibcode=2011ESPR...18..135E |s2cid=25260209 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402163101/http://cdn.eastchem.com/therminol/Applications_of_PCBs_Erickson_Kaley_Aug2010_AuthorsProof_0.pdf |archive-date=April 2, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Crompton|first=T R|title=Determination of Organic Compounds in Natural and Treated Waters|url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=wIKYde_zKqMC|page=396}}|date=June 1, 2002|publisher=CRC Press|page=396|isbn=978-0-203-01635-0}}</ref> PCBs are a ], and cause ] in both animals and humans, among other health effects.<ref name="EPA Health Effects">, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</ref> PCBs were initially welcomed due to the electrical industry's need for durable, safer (than flammable ]) cooling and insulating fluid for industrial transformers and capacitors. PCBs were also commonly used as stabilizing additives in the manufacture of flexible PVC coatings for electrical wiring and in electronic components to enhance PVC heat and fire resistance.<ref>{{cite book |title=Health Concerns and Environmental Issues with PVC-Containing Building Materials in Green Buildings |author1=Karlyn Black Kaley |author2=Jim Carlisle |author3=David Siegel |author4=Julio Salinas |publisher=Integrated Waste Management Board, California Environmental Protection Agency, USA |date=October 2006 |page=11 |url=http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/publications/GreenBuilding/43106016.pdf |access-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-date=July 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715221107/http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Publications/GreenBuilding/43106016.pdf }}</ref> As transformer leaks occurred and toxicity problems arose near factories, their durability and toxicity became recognized as serious problems. PCB production was banned by the U.S. Congress in 1979 and by the ] in 2001.<ref name="ATSDR">, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, at 467.</ref><ref name="EPA2">{{cite web|url=http://www.epa.gov/region2/pcbs/index.html|title=PCB's in NYC Schools – Region 2 – US EPA|date=January 29, 2013 |access-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906133728/http://www.epa.gov/region02/pcbs/index.html|archive-date=September 6, 2015}}</ref><ref name="EPA">, Pesticides: International Activities, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Archived from on June 27, 2015.</ref> | |||
Between 1965 and 1972, Monsanto paid contractors to illegally dump thousands of tonnes of highly ] in UK landfill sites, knowing that their chemicals were liable to contaminate wildlife and people. The ] said the chemicals were found to be polluting ] and the atmosphere 30 years after they were dumped.<ref name='Dump'>{{Cite news| title=The wasteland: how years of secret chemical dumping left a toxic legacy | date= 12 February 2007| url =http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/feb/12/uknews.pollution1 |work=The Guardian |location=UK | accessdate =27 September 2007 | first=John | last=Vidal }}</ref> | |||
==== Agent Orange ==== | |||
The Brofiscin quarry, near ], erupted in 2003, spilling fumes over the surrounding area, but the local community was unaware that the ] housed toxic waste. | |||
{{Main|Agent Orange}} | |||
Monsanto, ], and eight other chemical companies made ] for the ].<ref name="EncNatSec" />{{rp|6}} It was given its name from the color of the orange-striped ] in which it was shipped, and was by far the most widely used of the so-called "]".<ref name="hay-1982-p151">{{cite book|last=Hay|first=Alastair|title=The Chemical Scythe: Lessons of 2,4,5-T and Dioxin|url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=V524J4zh06MC|page=151}}|date=September 1, 1982|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-0-306-40973-8|pages=151–}}</ref> | |||
==== Bovine somatotropin ==== | |||
A ] report shows that 67 chemicals, including ] derivatives, dioxins and ]s exclusively made by Monsanto, are leaking from one unlined porous quarry that was not authorized to take chemical wastes. It emerged that the ] has been polluted since the 1970s.<ref name='EA'>{{Cite news| title=Brofiscin Quarry | url =http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/publications/33833.aspx | work=] | accessdate =31 March 2009 }}</ref> The government was criticised for failing to publish information about the scale and exact nature of this contamination. According to the ] it could cost £100m to ] the site in ], called "one of the most contaminated" in the UK.<ref name='Dump2'>{{Cite news| title=Monsanto dumped toxic waste in UK | date= 12 February 2007| url =http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/feb/12/uknews.pollution1 | work=Guardian | accessdate =31 March 2009 | location=London | first=John | last=Vidal }}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Bovine somatotropin}} | |||
Monsanto developed and sold ] ] (also known as ] and ]), a synthetic ] that increases milk production by 11–16% when injected into cows.<ref>{{Cite journal | |||
===Indonesian bribing convictions=== | |||
| last1 = Dohoo | first1 = I. R. | |||
In January 2005, Monsanto agreed to pay a $1.5m fine for bribing an Indonesian official. Monsanto admitted a senior manager at Monsanto directed an Indonesian ] to give a $50,000 bribe to a high-level official in Indonesia's environment ministry in 2002, in a bid to avoid ] on its ] cotton. Monsanto told the company to disguise an invoice for the bribe as "]". Monsanto also has admitted to paying bribes to a number of other high-ranking Indonesian officials between 1997 and 2002. Monsanto faced both criminal and ] charges from the ] and the ] (SEC). Monsanto has agreed to pay $1m to the Department of Justice and $500,000 to the SEC to settle the bribe charge and other related violations.<ref name='Bribe'>{{Cite news| title=Monsanto fined $1.5m for bribery |publisher=BBC | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4153635.stm | accessdate =28 September 2007 | date=7 January 2005}}</ref> | |||
| last2 = Leslie | first2 = K. | |||
| last3 = Descôteaux | first3 = L. | |||
| last4 = Fredeen | first4 = A. | |||
| last5 = Dowling | first5 = P. | |||
| last6 = Preston | first6 = A. | |||
| last7 = Shewfelt | first7 = W. | |||
| title = A meta-analysis review of the effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin. 1. Methodology and effects on production | |||
| journal = Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research | |||
| volume = 67 | |||
| issue = 4 | |||
| pages = 241–251 | |||
| year = 2003 | |||
| pmid = 14620860 | |||
| pmc = 280708 | |||
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | |||
| last1 = Dohoo | first1 = I. R. | |||
| last2 = Descôteaux | first2 = L. | |||
| last3 = Leslie | first3 = K. | |||
| last4 = Fredeen | first4 = A. | |||
| last5 = Shewfelt | first5 = W. | |||
| last6 = Preston | first6 = A. | |||
| last7 = Dowling | first7 = P. | |||
| title = A meta-analysis review of the effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin. 2. Effects on animal health, reproductive performance, and culling | |||
| journal = Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research | |||
| volume = 67 | |||
| issue = 4 | |||
| pages = 252–264 | |||
| year = 2003 | |||
| pmid = 14620861 | |||
| pmc = 280709 | |||
}}</ref> In October 2008, Monsanto sold this business to ] for $300 million plus additional considerations.<ref name="urlEli Lilly to Buy Monsanto's Dairy Cow Hormone for $300 million - DealBook Blog - NYTimes.com">{{Cite news|url=http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/eli-lilly-to-buy-monsantos-dairy-cow-hormone-for-300-million/ |title=Eli Lilly to Buy Monsanto's Dairy Cow Hormone for $300 million – DealBook Blog |work=The New York Times| date=August 20, 2008}}</ref> | |||
The use of rBST remains controversial with respect to its effects on cows and their milk.<ref name=Dobs>Dobson, William D. (June 1996) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921122744/https://aae.wisc.edu/pubs/sps/pdf/stpap397.pdf/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209122114/http://www.aae.wisc.edu/pubs/sps/pdf/stpap397.pdf |archive-date=2006-02-09 |url-status=live |date=September 21, 2020 }}. University of Wisconsin-Madison Agricultural and Applied Economics Staff Paper Series No. 397</ref> | |||
On 5 March 2008 the ] against Monsanto was dismissed with prejudice (unopposed by the Department of Justice) by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, thereby indicating that Monsanto had complied fully with the terms of the agreement. | |||
In some markets, milk from cows that are not treated with rBST is sold with labels indicating that it is rBST-free: this milk has proved popular with consumers.<ref name = "nytimes milk label">, '']'', March 9, 2008</ref> In reaction to this, in early 2008 a pro-rBST advocacy group called "American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology" (AFACT),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://itisafact.org/ |title=AFACT: American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology |publisher=Itisafact.org }}</ref> made up of dairies and originally affiliated with Monsanto, formed and began lobbying to ban such labels. AFACT stated that "absence" labels can be misleading and imply that milk from cows treated with rBST is inferior.<ref name = "nytimes milk label" /> | |||
===Fined in France for false advertising=== | |||
Monsanto was fined $19,000 in a ] on 26 January 2007 for misleading the public about the ] of its ] ]. A former chairman of Monsanto Agriculture France was found guilty of ] for presenting Roundup as ] and claiming that it left the soil clean after use. | |||
===Uncommercialized products=== | |||
Environmental and consumer rights campaigners brought the case in 2001 on the basis that ], Roundup's main ingredient, is classed as "dangerous for the environment" and "toxic for aquatic organisms" by the ]. Monsanto's French distributor Scotts France was also fined 15,000 euros. Both defendants were ordered to pay damages of 5,000 euros to the Brittany Water and Rivers association and 3,000 euros to the CLCV ].<ref name='ADS'>{{Cite news| title=Monsanto Fined in France for 'False' Herbicide Ads | publisher=] | url =http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_4114.cfm | accessdate =28 September 2007 }}</ref> | |||
Monsanto also developed notable technologies that were not ultimately commercialized. | |||
===="Terminator" seeds==== | |||
==Cooperation with BASF== | |||
{{main|Genetic use restriction technology}} | |||
Monsanto is cooperating with ] in research, development and marketing of biotechnology.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corporate.basf.com/de/investor/veranstaltungen/termine/070321_interview.htm?id=V00-Eq3z_CNjlbcp.*0 |title=BASF-Gruppe: Interview Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht zur Zusammenarbeit mit Monsanto |publisher=Corporate.basf.com |date=2007-03-21 |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> | |||
Genetic use restriction technology, colloquially known as "terminator technology", produces plants with sterile seeds. This trait would prevent the spread of those seeds into the wild. It also would prevent farmers from planting seeds they harvest, requiring them to purchase seed for every planting, allowing the company to enforce its licensing terms via technology. Farmers have been buying ]s for generations, instead of replanting their harvest, because second-generation hybrid seeds are inferior. Nevertheless, most seed companies contract only with farmers who agree not to plant harvested seeds. | |||
==Resistance in Europe== | |||
Europeans have been resisting ] for a long time.{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}} Monsanto has been facing stiff resistance from the ] over its portfolio of GM foods. Their approval is important for Monsanto as the EU’s position on GM foods influences the global debate. The GM industry has never gained wholehearted approval from the public in the EU. There have been several laws passed on this subject, and EU legislation of 2003 asked for strict rules on labeling, ] and risk assessments of GM foods by all the ] companies. The Regulation of 2004 laid down procedures on traceability and labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and all products produced using GMOs. The ] legislation extends its requirement to all food and food ingredients produced from GMOs regardless of the detectable presence of DNA or protein within the final food product. These actions severely affected Monsanto as labeling foods as GM would stigmatise the foods.<ref> from '']''</ref> In the EU, there has been a moratorium on the approval of new GM crops since 1998 caused by the public anxiety over the potential risks of GM foods.<ref> from '']''</ref> | |||
Terminator technology has been developed by governmental labs, university researchers and companies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ngin.tripod.com/353.htm |title=RAFI on new Terminator patent |publisher=Ngin.tripod.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historycommons.org/context.jsp?item=gm-104#gm-104 |title=Context of 'July 20, 1999: USDA and Delta & Pine Land Secure New Patent for Improvements in Terminator Genetic Seed Sterilization Technology' |publisher=Historycommons.org |access-date=July 24, 2012 |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205064112/http://www.historycommons.org/context.jsp?item=gm-104#gm-104 }}</ref><ref name="Warwick Terminator">{{cite journal |first=Hugh |last=Warwick |editor-last=Wijeratna |editor-first=Alex |editor2-last=Meienberg |editor2-first=François |editor3-last= Meienberg |title = Syngenta – Switching off farmers' rights? |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |date=October 2000 |url = http://www.fao.org/righttofood/KC/downloads/vl/docs/AH428.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512172032/http://www.fao.org/righttofood/KC/downloads/vl/docs/AH428.pdf |archive-date=May 12, 2011}}</ref> The technology has not been used commercially.<ref name="monsanto pledge">{{cite web |url=http://www.monsanto.com/newsviews/Pages/terminator-seeds.aspx |title=Monsanto ~ Is Monsanto Going to Develop or Sell "Terminator" Seeds? |publisher=Monsanto.com |date=November 3, 2008 |access-date=July 24, 2012 |archive-date=June 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605020705/http://www.monsanto.com/newsviews/Pages/terminator-seeds.aspx }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.banterminator.org/The-Issues/Introduction |title=Introduction / The Issues / |publisher=Ban Terminator |date=June 1, 2007 |access-date=August 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709023839/http://www.banterminator.org/The-Issues/Introduction |archive-date=July 9, 2012 }}</ref> Rumors that Monsanto and other companies intended to introduce terminator technology caused protests, for example in India.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/465969.stm |work=BBC News |title=Farmers welcome halt of 'terminator' |date=October 5, 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.columbia.edu/~sr793/doc/RHerring.pdf |title=CAS 38-4 24 Oct 2006.vp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531024738/http://www.columbia.edu/~sr793/doc/RHerring.pdf |archive-date=May 31, 2013}}</ref> | |||
Among the documents obtained by Wikileaks include Monsanto asking the US government to maintain its strong pressure on the European Union legislation for the introduction of GMO foods.<ref name="09MADRID482">{{cite web| url=http://www.wikileaks.ch/cable/2009/05/09MADRID482.html| title=Spain's biotech crop under threat (Wikileaks telegram 09MADRID482)| accessdate=20. December 2010 | publisher=U.S. Department of State| date= 19 May 2009}}</ref> After moves in France to ban a Monsanto GM corn variety, the US embassy recommended that 'we calibrate a target | |||
retaliation list that causes some pain across the EU'.<ref name="07Paris4723">{{cite news |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/03/wikileaks-us-eu-gm-crops |title=WikiLeaks: US targets EU over GM crops |work=The Guardian |location=UK |author=Vidal, John |date=3 January 2011 |accessdate=3 January 2011}}</ref> | |||
In 1999, Monsanto pledged not to commercialize terminator technology.<ref name="monsanto pledge" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/1999/oct/06/gm.food2 |title=World braced for terminator 2 |last=Vidal |first=John |date=October 5, 1999 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> The ] intended to commercialize the technology,<ref name="Warwick Terminator" /> but D&PL was acquired by Monsanto in 2007.<ref> monsanto.com</ref> | |||
==Soybean in Argentina== | |||
Monsanto claims one of its greatest success stories has been ] ] (] soya) grown and sold in ], South Africa, and across the USA. There are claims that its use increased soya production by 75% and increased yields by 173% over five years until 2002, giving good profitability to farmers. This was good news for the farmers who saw GM soya as a ] which had a good export potential as feed for cattle. Therefore, Argentine farmers relied on GM soya as their only produce. In 2004, there were questions being raised about the actual benefits, scientists claimed that the consequences of growing RR soya in Argentina included a massive exodus of small farmers from the countryside because they could no longer make a living (as they could not afford GM soya) or were driven off their land.<ref>{{Cite journal | |||
| language = Spanish | |||
| last = Reboratti | |||
| first = Carlos | |||
| title = A sea of soybean: Consequences of the new agriculture in Argentina (Un mar de soja: La nueva agricultura en Argentina y sus consecuencias) | |||
| journal=Norte Grande Geography Journal (Revista de geografía Norte Grande) | |||
| issue = 45 | |||
| pages = 63–76 | |||
| publisher=Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile | |||
| location = Chile | |||
| year = 2010 | |||
| url = http://redalyc.uaemex.mx/src/inicio/ArtPdfRed.jsp?iCve=30012482005 | |||
| issn = 0379-8682 | |||
}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto "Terminator seeds" were never commercialized nor used in any farmer's field anywhere in the world. The patent expired in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mangan|first=Mary|date=2021-02-12|title='Terminator seeds'—the anti-GMO bogeyman that never existed|url=https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2021/02/12/viewpoint-farewell-to-terminator-seeds-1995-2015-the-anti-gmo-movements-favorite-bogeyman/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Genetic Literacy Project}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto reasoned that the ] and increased use of ] was not due to the use of its GM Soya. It maintains that farmers need to rotate crops in order to allow the soil to recover. Farmers should grow GM soya and then rotate it with corn or other food crops. However, due to the growing demand of soya, farmers in Argentina did not rotate crops and grew only soya, resulting in damage to the soil.<ref> from ''The Guardian''</ref> | |||
== |
==== GM wheat ==== | ||
{{main|Genetically modified wheat}} | |||
Monsanto developed several strains of genetically modified wheat, including glyphosate-resistant strains, in the 1990s. Field tests were done in the United States between 1998 and 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2013/05/29/unapproved-monsanto-gmo-wheat-found-in-oregon.html |agency=Reuters |title=Unapproved Monsanto GMO Wheat Found in Oregon |publisher=] |date=2013-05-29 |access-date=September 20, 2018}}</ref> As of 2017, no genetically modified wheat had been released for commercial use.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Regalado |first1=Antonio |title=These are not your father's GMOs |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/s/609230/these-are-not-your-fathers-gmos/ |website=MIT Technology Review |access-date=September 20, 2018}}</ref> | |||
== |
== Legal affairs == | ||
{{main|Monsanto legal cases}} | |||
In 2003, a ]ian organization of farmers protested Monsanto by invading a Monsanto research center in ].<ref> from BBC News</ref> | |||
Monsanto engaged in high-profile lawsuits, as both plaintiff and defendant. It defended lawsuits mostly over its products' health and environmental effects. Monsanto used the courts to enforce its patents, particularly in agricultural ], an approach similar to that of other companies in the field, such as ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/93431968/Pioneer-Hi-Bred-International-v-Does-1-5|title=Pioneer Hi Bred International v. Does 1–5|date=May 14, 2012|publisher=Scribd.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/2001/2001_99_1996/|title=J.E.M. Supply v. Pioneer Hi-Bred International | The Oyez Project at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law|publisher=Oyez.org}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hpj.com/archives/syngenta-sues-to-stop-illegal-sales-of-coker-seed-varieties/article_1d4dfb89-877b-5c7e-9900-7a2795b67210.html|title=Syngenta sues to stop illegal sales of COKER seed varieties|date=January 2002|publisher=Hpj.com|access-date=March 1, 2015|archive-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129111538/https://www.hpj.com/archives/syngenta-sues-to-stop-illegal-sales-of-coker-seed-varieties/article_1d4dfb89-877b-5c7e-9900-7a2795b67210.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Monsanto also became one of the most controversial large corporations in the world, over a range of issues involving its industrial and agricultural chemical products, and GM seed.<ref name="wp-bayer">{{cite news |last1=Dewey |first1=Caitlin |title=Why 'Monsanto' is no more |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/06/04/why-monsanto-is-no-more/ |access-date=September 28, 2018 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=June 4, 2018}}</ref> In April 2018, just prior to Bayer's acquisition, Bayer indicated that improving Monsanto's reputation represented a major challenge.<ref name="reuters-Bayer">{{cite news |title=Bayer CEO says Monsanto's reputation is a 'major challenge' |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bayer-agm/bayer-ceo-says-monsantos-reputation-is-a-major-challenge-idUSKBN17U127 |access-date=September 28, 2018 |publisher=Reuters |date=April 28, 2018}}</ref> That June, Bayer announced it would drop the Monsanto name as part of a campaign to regain consumer trust.<ref name="wp-bayer" /> | |||
=== |
===Argentina=== | ||
Argentina approved ''Roundup Ready'' soy in 1996. Between 1996 and 2008 soy production grew from 14 million acres to 42 million acres. The growth was driven by Argentine investors' interest in export markets.<ref name="SoyRepublic">. Towardfreedom.com (September 2, 2009).</ref> The consolidation led to a decrease in production of many staples such as ], ], ], ]es and ]. As of 2004, about 150,000 small farmers had left the countryside; as of 2009, 50% in the Chaco region.<ref name="SoyRepublic" /><ref name="GuardianArgentina">. ''The Guardian'' (April 16, 2004).</ref><ref>Carlos Reboratti (2010) . ] Revista de geografía Norte Grande 45: 63–76.</ref> | |||
Monsanto is criticized by Chinese economist Lang Xianping for having controlled the Chinese soybean market, and for trying to do the same to Chinese corn and cotton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wyzxsx.com/Article/Class4/201001/128373.html |title=郎咸平:孟山都的转基因帝国-大豆、玉米与棉花 |publisher=Wyzxsx.com |date=28 January 2010 |accessdate=24 September 2010}}</ref> | |||
'']'' reported that a Monsanto representative had said, "any problems with GM soya were to do with use of the crop as a monoculture, not because it was GM. If you grow any crop to the exclusion of any other you are bound to get problems."<ref name="GuardianArgentina" /> | |||
===In Germany=== | |||
In 2004, Monsanto filed two patent applications for processes which controlled the breeding of pigs with a specific marker gene which attracted criticism from Greenpeace.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.greenpeace.org/international/news/monsanto-pig-patent-111 |title=Monsanto files patent for new invention: the pig |publisher=Greenpeace International |date=2005-08-02 |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> Both applications were sold to Newsham Genetics in 2007. Although one of the applications was objected to by the ] as relating to an essentially biological process excluded from patent protection and later abandoned,<ref>{{EPO Register|appno=04757318|patno=1651030}}</ref> the second application was granted in 2008<ref>{{EPO Register|appno=04778518|patno=1651777|patent=yes}}</ref> and became the target for demonstrations in Germany.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8002503.stm |work=BBC News | title=Germans protest over pig patent | date=16 April 2009 | accessdate=5 April 2010 | first=Laurence | last=Peter}}</ref> Protests were caused by allegations that Monsanto was patenting the breeding of ''all pigs'', although German Agriculture Minister ] strongly opposes the patent.<ref>{{cite web|author=gb/ncy, dpa/epd/Reuters/AP |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4188153,00.html |title=German farm minister rejects pig patent | Germany | Deutsche Welle | 18.04.2009 |publisher=Dw-world.de |accessdate=24 September 2010}}</ref> Monsanto said that the patent applied only to pigs which were bred using a specific Monsanto technology capable of locating genes which increase pig size, but amid the controversy and misinformation have since declared they are "out of the pig business" after Monsanto sold Monsanto Choice Genetics to Newsham Genetics LC.<ref> Pigs and Patents</ref><ref> Author: Monsantoco, April 2009 Monsanto</ref><ref>.</ref> | |||
In 2005 and 2006, Monsanto attempted to enforce its patents on soymeal originating in Argentina and shipped to Spain by having Spanish customs officials seize the soymeal shipments. The seizures were part of a larger attempt by Monsanto to put pressure on the Argentinian government to enforce Monsanto's seed patents.<ref>. Cropchoice.com, January 31, 2006.</ref> | |||
===In Haiti=== | |||
After the ], aid came from many places. Along with some national groups and the ], Monsanto looked to distribute seeds starting in May by donating 60,000 seed sacks (475 tons) of hybrid corn and vegetable seeds worth $4 million.<ref>http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9FMUQN80.htm</ref> The stated rationale for the donation was that Haitian farmers would not have sufficient seeds to plant after the disaster. According to several reports, the Haitians did indeed have enough seeds. Monsanto's announcement came two months after the report, "A Rapid Seed Assessment in the Southern Department of Haiti" by the ] (CRS). Southern Haiti was one of the worst places hit by the earthquake. CRS has experience in Haitian agricultural development and through this report and another released in June, they said that direct seed distribution should not take place. The reasoning was that the farmers have enough seeds and they also have a negative perception of external seeds. Additionally, they said that this disaster was not the appropriate time to introduce improved varieties on anything more than a small scale. | |||
In 2013 environmentalist groups objected to a Monsanto corn seed conditioning facility in ]. Neighbours objected to the risk of environmental impact. Court rulings supported the project,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lavoz.com.ar/noticias/politica/monsanto-podra-continuar-con-obra-civil-pero-no-con-operativa|title=Monsanto podrá continuar con obra civil pero no con operativa|date=April 23, 2013|publisher=La Voz|language=es}}</ref> but environmentalist groups organised demonstrations and opened an online petition for the subject to be decided in a popular ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.argenpress.info/2013/12/monsanto-contamina-el-medio-ambiente-y.html|title=Monsanto contamina el medio ambiente y también la democracia|last=Marín|first=Emiliom|date=December 2, 2013|publisher=Argenpress.info}}</ref> The court rulings stipulated that while construction could continue, the facility could not begin operating until the ] required by law had been duly presented.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lavoz.com.ar/politica/ratifican-que-monsanto-podra-continuar-con-la-obra-civil|title=Ratifican que Monsanto podrá continuar con la obra civil|date=October 10, 2013|publisher=La Voz|language=es}}</ref> | |||
The seeds were considered hybrids. Emmanuel Prophete, head of the Ministry of Agriculture's Service National Semencier (SNS) was not opposed to the hybrid maize seeds because it at least doubles the yield of corn. Naturally, they require more water and fertilizer. Louise Sperling, Principal Researcher at the ] (CIAT) was not opposed to hybrids, but noted that most hybrids require extra water and better soils and that most of Haiti was not appropriate for ] hybrids. She was also concerned that these hybrids had not been tested before in Haiti. Prophete agreed that the seeds were not tested prior to distribution and said, "We are supposed to have a quarantine system, and all seeds should be tested for germination and adaptation before they are distributed...We don't have the power to do that at this time."<ref name=truth /> | |||
In 2016 Monsanto reached an agreement with Argentina's government on soybean seed royalty payments. Monsanto agreed to give the Argentine Seed Institute (Inase) oversight over crops grown from Monsanto's Intacta genetically modified soybean seeds. Before the agreement, Argentine farmers generally avoided royalties by using seeds from previous harvests or purchased from non-registered suppliers. Inase agreed to delegate testing to grain exchanges. About 6 million sample tests were to be conducted annually. Seeds that appear to be GMOs may be tested again using a ] test.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-14/monsanto-argentina-seed-pact-said-to-become-effective-next-week|title=Monsanto-Argentina Seed Pact Said to Become Effective Next Week|last=Gonzalez|first=Pablo Rosendo|date=2016-06-14|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|access-date=2016-12-15}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto initially wanted to disperse genetically modified seeds (]s), but the ]an government feared this would spark a rebellion. Of the seeds actually distributed, Monsanto stressed that these seeds were produced manually through cross-pollination, and were not ]s. The seeds were distributed free of charge, which were in turn sold at a reduced price. In other words, the income was reinvested in local agriculture. Haitian farmers' organizations say these seeds will not increase Haitian food sovereignty. Unlike the traditional ] ] or ] seeds found in ], the donated seeds from Monsanto cannot be reused each year, because they do not "breed true" or grow well in a second season. New seeds would have to be purchased each year, meaning that although the seeds were free initially, or bought at a reduced price, in the long run, it will cost the farmer money to keep buying new seeds. Additionally, the Haitian Ministry of Agriculture (MARDNR) issued a list of "approved" seeds, of which none of the maize are hybrids. Francesco Del Re of the UN's ] (FAO) said for its emergency seed distributions, only seeds on the MARDNR list were imported. He said, "...because the hybrids need to be renewed every year and do have to be bought by peasants every year." | |||
===Brazil=== | |||
Another problem is that the pollen from the Monsanto seeds could contaminate local crops, preventing any crops to be replanted, and in turn making the entire country dependent upon Monsanto or another seed company. Furthermore, some of these seeds contain highly toxic ] such as Maxim in the corn seeds and ] in the calypso tomato seeds. The ] ruled that a special warning label must be used on ] containing thiram and it is banned in home garden products because most home gardeners do not own adequate protection<ref name=truth /><ref>http://www.diagonalperiodico.net/Monsanto-hace-negocio-en-Haiti.html</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ronnie-cummins/monsantos-poison-pills-fo_b_587340.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Ronnie | last=Cummins | title=Monsanto's Poison Pills for Haiti | date=24 July 2010}}</ref><ref>http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/06/haitian-farmers-burn-monsanto-hybrid-seeds/</ref> | |||
Brazil is the second largest producer of GMO soy. In 2003 GM soy was found in fields planted in the state of ].<ref name="EconomistBrazil">. ''The Economist'' (October 2, 2003).</ref> This was a controversial decision, and in response, the ] protested by invading and occupying several Monsanto farm plots used for research, training and seed-processing.<ref>. BBC News (June 3, 2003).</ref> In 2005 Brazil passed a law creating a regulatory pathway for GM crops. | |||
===China=== | |||
One of the country's largest farmers associations held a demonstration on June 4, 2010 where thousands of people symbolically burned maize seeds.<ref name=truth>http://www.truth-out.org/monsanto-haiti/1304605989</ref> | |||
Monsanto was criticized by ] economist ] for controlling the Chinese soybean market, and for trying to do the same to Chinese corn and cotton.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wyzxsx.com/Article/Class4/201001/128373.html |title=郎咸平:孟山都的转基因帝国-大豆、玉米与棉花 |publisher=Wyzxsx.com |date=January 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328142034/http://www.wyzxsx.com/Article/Class4/201001/128373.html |archive-date=March 28, 2010 }}</ref> | |||
=== |
===India=== | ||
{{main|Farmers' suicides in India}} | |||
Monsanto has had a controversial history in India, starting with the accusation that Monsanto used ]s in its seeds, causing demonstrations against the company. Later, its GM cotton seed was the subject of NGO agitation because of its higher cost. Indian farmers cross GM varieties with local varieties using ] to yield better strains, an illegal practice termed "seed piracy".<ref> from ]</ref><ref> from BBC News</ref> In 2009, high prices of Bt Cotton were blamed for forcing farmers of the district ] into severe debts when the crops died due to lack of rain.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/25/stories/2009082554841400.htm |title=Jhabua on its way to becoming Vidarbha-II? |publisher=Hindu.com |date=2009-08-25 |accessdate=2011-10-28 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> | |||
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, public attention was drawn to suicides by indebted farmers following crop failures.<ref name=FrontLine>. PBS (July 26, 2005).</ref> For example, in the early 2000s, farmers in ] (AP) were in economic crisis due to high-interest rates and crop failures, leading to widespread unrest and farmer suicides.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3855517.stm | work=BBC News | title=India PM pledge over suicide farmers | date=July 1, 2004}}</ref> Monsanto was one focus of protests with respect to the price and yields of Bt seed. In 2005, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, the Indian regulatory authority, released a study on field tests of certain Bt cotton strains in AP and ruled that Monsanto could not market those strains in AP because of poor yields.<ref>The Hindu Business Line. May 26, 2005 </ref> At about the same time, the state agriculture minister barred the company from selling Bt cotton seed, because Monsanto refused a request by the state government to provide pay about Rs 4.5 crore (about one million US$) to indebted farmers in some districts, and because the government blamed Monsanto's seeds for crop failures.<ref name="Andra Uproots">{{Cite news |title=Angry Andhra uproots Monsanto |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/angry-andhra-uproots-monsanto/139771/0 |work=financialexpress.com |location=Hyderabad |date=June 23, 2005}}</ref> The order was later lifted. | |||
In 2006, AP tried to convince Monsanto to reduce the price of Bt seeds. Unsatisfied, the state filed several cases against Monsanto and its ]-based licensee, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds.<ref name="autogenerated3">, '']'', June 27, 2006.</ref> Research by ] found no evidence supporting an increased suicide rate following the introduction of Bt cotton and that Bt cotton.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Bt Cotton and Farmer Suicides in India: An Evidence-based Assessment |journal=The Journal of Development Studies |year=2011 |volume=47 |issue=2 |doi=10.1080/00220388.2010.492863 |last1=Gruère |first1=Guillaume |last2=Sengupta |first2=Debdatta |pages=316–37 |pmid=21506303|s2cid=20145281 }}</ref><ref name="Sheridan">{{cite journal |title=Doubts surround link between Bt cotton failure and farmer suicide : Article: Nature Biotechnology |journal=Nature Biotechnology |url=http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v27/n1/full/nbt0109-9.html |access-date=May 6, 2013|date=January 2009 |volume=27 |issue=1 |pages=9–10 |doi=10.1038/nbt0109-9 |last1=Sheridan |first1=Cormac |pmid=19131979 |s2cid=82412990 }}</ref> The report stated that farmer suicides predated commercial introduction in 2002 (and unofficial introduction in 2001) and that such suicides had made up a fairly constant portion of the overall national suicide rate since 1997.<ref name="Sheridan" /><ref name="Gruere">{{cite web |url=http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/ifpridp00808.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511180115/http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/ifpridp00808.pdf |archive-date=2011-05-11 |url-status=live |year=2008 |title=Bt Cotton and Farmer Suicides in India: Reviewing the Evidence |author=Guillaume P. Gruère, Purvi Mehta-Bhatt and Debdatta Sengupta |publisher=International Food Policy Research Institute}}</ref> The report concluded that while Bt cotton may have been a factor in specific suicides, the contribution was likely marginal compared to ] factors.<ref name="Sheridan" /><ref name="Gruere" /> As of 2009, Bt cotton was planted in 87% of Indian cotton-growing land.<ref>Choudhary, B. & Gaur, K. 2010. . ISAAA Series of Biotech Crop Profiles. ISAAA: Ithaca, NY.</ref> | |||
In March 2010, Monsanto admitted that insects had developed resistance to the Bt Cotton planted in ]. The company advised farmers to switch to its second generation of Bt cotton – Bolguard II – which had two resistance genes instead of one.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/06/stories/2010030664831400.htm|title= Bt cotton ineffective against pest in parts of Gujarat, admits Monsanto | accessdate=12 March 2010 | location=Chennai, India|work=The Hindu|date=6 March 2010}}</ref> However, this advice was widely slammed by critics and even the ] which claimed that the admission by Monsanto was more of a business strategy. Maharastra Seeds, a Monsanto subsidiary, conducted several illegal trials in India and fields growing the GM seed were eventually burned in large scale protests.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lightparty.com/Health/IndiaCheers.html|title=India cheers while Monsanto burns? | accessdate=6 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/12/stories/2010031263690900.htm|title=Monsanto ‘admission' has business motives? | accessdate=12 March 2010 | location=Chennai, India|work=The Hindu|date=12 March 2010}}</ref> | |||
Critics including ] said that the crop failures could "often be traced to" Monsanto's Bt cotton, that the seeds increased farmer indebtedness and argued that Monsanto misrepresented the profitability of their Bt Cotton, causing losses leading to debt.<ref name="FrontLine" /><ref>. Democracy Now! (December 13, 2006).</ref><ref>Peled, M. X. (Producer and Director) (September 1, 2011). (motion picture). United States: Teddy Bear Films.</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://filmmakermagazine.com/40204-bitter-seeds-an-interview-with-director-micha-x-peled/ |journal=] |last=Scott |first=Daniel James|date=February 9, 2012 |title=Director Micha X. Peled on ''Bitter Seeds'' |access-date=May 1, 2013}}</ref> In 2009, Shiva wrote that Indian farmers who had previously spent as little as ₹7 (]) per kilogram were now paying up to ₹17,000 per kilo per year for Bt cotton.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vandana Shiva: From Seeds of Suicide to Seeds of Hope: Why Are Indian Farmers Committing Suicide and How Can We Stop This Tragedy? | date=April 28, 2009| url = https://www.huffingtonpost.com/vandana-shiva/from-seeds-of-suicide-to_b_192419.html |access-date=May 2, 2013 |first=Vandana |last=Shiva |work=Huffington Post}}</ref> In 2012 the ] (ICAR) and the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) stated that for the first time farmer suicides could be linked to a decline in the performance of Bt cotton, and advised, "cotton farmers are in a deep crisis since shifting to Bt cotton. The spate of farmer suicides in 2011–12 has been particularly severe among Bt cotton farmers."<ref name="ICAR1" /> | |||
In February 2012, European and Indian activists are opposing a patent on virus resistant traits of indigenous melon varieties in India which was awarded to Monsanto. Monsanto acquired DeRuiter, a seed company, in 2008, who originally developed the patent. An application was filed with the ] in ] on February 3. The activists claim it was not an invention of Monsanto but rather ]. Using conventional breeding methods, certain virus resistance was implemented from an Indian melon to other melons. European law prohibits patents on conventional breeding, in this case, traits on indigenous Indian melons . The activist claim it is bio-piracy because the plants originated in India and were registered in international seed-banks.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2861063.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first=Gargi | last=Parsai | title=Opposition to Monsanto patent on Indian melons | date=5 February 2012}}</ref> | |||
In 2004, in response to an order from the Bombay High Court the ] produced a report on farmer suicides in ] in 2005.<ref name="InfoChange">Staff, InfoChange August 2005. {{usurped|1=}}</ref><ref name="TataReport">Dandekar A., et al., Tata Institute. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809074417/http://vnss-mission.gov.in/htmldocs/Farmers_suicide_TISS_report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704201549/http://www.vnss-mission.gov.in/htmldocs/Farmers_suicide_TISS_report.pdf |archive-date=2009-07-04 |url-status=live |date=August 9, 2013 }}</ref> The survey cited "government apathy, the absence of a safety net for farmers, and lack of access to information related to agriculture as the chief causes for the desperate condition of farmers in the state."<ref name="InfoChange" /> | |||
====Child labor==== | |||
A subsidiary of Monsanto is alleged to employ child labor in the manufacture of cotton-seeds in India. The work involves handling of poisonous pesticides such as ] and the children get less than Rs.20 (less than half a US dollar) per day.<ref> from India Committee of the Netherlands</ref> | |||
Various studies identified the important factors as insufficient or risky credit systems, the difficulty of farming semi-arid regions, poor agricultural income, absence of alternative income opportunities, a downturn in the urban economy which forced non-farmers into farming and the absence of suitable counseling services.<ref name="Gruere" /><ref name="Nagraj">{{cite web|author=Nagraj, K. |year=2008 |title=Farmers suicide in India: magnitudes, trends and spatial patterns |url=http://www.macroscan.com/anl/mar08/pdf/Farmers_Suicides.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512173317/http://www.macroscan.com/anl/mar08/pdf/Farmers_Suicides.pdf |archive-date=May 12, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Risks, Farmers' Suicides and Agrarian Crisis in India: Is There A Way Out?|author=Mishra, Srijit|publisher=Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR)|year=2007|url=http://www.igidr.ac.in/pdf/publication/WP-2007-014.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118215816/http://www.igidr.ac.in/pdf/publication/WP-2007-014.pdf |archive-date=2011-01-18 |url-status=live}}</ref> ICAR and CCRI stated that the cost of cotton cultivation had jumped as a consequence of rising pesticide costs, while total Bt cotton production in the five years from 2007 to 2012 had declined.<ref name="ICAR1">{{cite web | title = Ministry blames Bt cotton for farmer suicides – Hindustan Times |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Business/Ministry-blames-Btcotton-for-farmer-suicides/Article1-830798.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722005640/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Business/Ministry-blames-Btcotton-for-farmer-suicides/Article1-830798.aspx |archive-date=July 22, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2013 |first=Hindustan |last=Times}}</ref> | |||
====Farmer suicides==== | |||
{{main|Farmers' suicides in India}} | |||
A short documentary by '']'' suggested that farmers using genetically modified seeds promoted by ] and Monsanto have led to rising debts and forced some into the equivalent of indentured servitude to the moneylenders.<ref> from the ]</ref> Every thirty minutes an Indian farmer commits suicide and in the last sixteen years, more than a quarter of a million farmers have died.<ref name="chrgj.org">http://www.chrgj.org/publications/docs/every30min.pdf</ref> Some claim a major cause is poor yields leading to mounting debt, an increased need for pesticides, and the higher cost of the ''Bt'' cotton seed sold by Monsanto.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?ItemID=4871 |title=Farmer's Suicides |publisher=] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.countercurrents.org/gl-sharma290604.htm |title=Indian Farmer's Final Solution |publisher=countercurrents.org }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/rough/2005/07/seeds_of_suicid.html |title=Rough Cut Seeds of Suicide India's desperate farmers |date=26 July 2005 |publisher=] |accessdate=3 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://infochangeindia.org/200408056392/Other/Features/Seeds-of-suicide-I-I.html |title=Seeds of suicide – I I |date=August 2004 |author=P. Sainath |publisher=InfoChange News and Features }}</ref> Monsanto has responded by pointing to reports that link suicides to other factors, and argues that if it was the major cause of suicides then "why is it that Indian farmers represent the fastest-growing users of biotech crops in the world?”<ref name="chrgj.org"/> | |||
===United Kingdom=== | |||
A report released by the International Food Policy Research Institute in October 2008 provided evidence that farmer suicide in India was due to several causes{{Clarify|date=August 2011}} and that the introduction of ''Bt'' cotton was not a major factor.<ref name = "Gruere">{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/ifpridp00808.pdf|year=2008|title=Bt Cotton and Farmer Suicides in India: Reviewing the Evidence|author=Guillaume P. Gruère, Purvi Mehta-Bhatt and Debdatta Sengupta|publisher=International Food Policy Research Institute}}</ref> It argues that the suicides predate the introduction of the cotton in 2002 and has been fairly consistent since 1997.<ref name = "Gruere"/><ref>{{Cite journal|journal=Nat Biotechnol.|year=2009|volume=27|pages =9–10|title=Doubts surround link between Bt cotton failure and farmer suicide|author=Sheridan, C.|pmid=19131979|doi=10.1038/nbt0109-9|issue=1 }}</ref> Other studies also suggest the increase in farmer suicides is due to a combination of various ] factors.<ref name = "Nagraj">{{cite web|author=Nagraj, K.|year=2008|title=Farmers suicide in India: magnitudes, trends and spatial patterns|url=http://www.macroscan.com/anl/mar08/pdf/Farmers_Suicides.pdf}}</ref> These include debt, the difficulty of farming semi-arid regions, poor agricultural income, absence of alternative income opportunities, the downturn in the urban economy forcing non-farmers into farming, and the absence of suitable counseling services.<ref name = "Nagraj"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Risks, Farmers’ Suicides and Agrarian Crisis in India: Is There A Way Out?|author=Mishra, Srijit|publisher=Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR)|year=2007|url=http://www.igidr.ac.in/pdf/publication/WP-2007-014.pdf}}</ref> | |||
{{Main|Brofiscin Quarry}} | |||
] was used as a waste site from about 1965 to 1972 and accepted waste from ], ] and Monsanto.<ref name=WalesOnline>Staff, Wales Online. October 17, 2011 </ref><ref>Burges Salmon LLP. April 12, 2012 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903061851/http://www.inhouselawyer.co.uk/index.php/environment/9839-changes-to-the-contaminated-land-regime |date=September 3, 2014 }}</ref> A 2005 report by ] (EAW) found that the quarry contained up to 75 toxic substances, including ], ] and PCBs.<ref name=WalesOnline/><ref name=BBC2011-06>BBC June 15, 2011 </ref> | |||
In February 2011, Monsanto agreed to help with the costs of remediation, but did not accept responsibility for the pollution.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/feb/21/monsanto-brofiscin-pollution|title=Monsanto agrees to clean up toxic chemicals in South Wales quarry|date=February 21, 2011|access-date=June 5, 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|last1=Levitt|first1=Tom}}</ref><ref name=EAW1>{{cite web|url=http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/publications/122041.aspx|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140328084622/http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/publications/122041.aspx|archive-date=March 28, 2014|title= EA responsibility|publisher=Environment Agency Wales|access-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref> In 2011, EAW and the Rhondda Cynon Taf council announced that they had decided to place an engineered cap over the waste mass,<ref>Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902060620/http://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/en/environmentplanningandwaste/pollution/brofiscin/brofiscin.aspx |date=September 2, 2014 }} Accessed September 1, 2014</ref> and stated that the cost would be £1.5 million; previous estimates had been as high as £100 million.<ref name=BBC2011-06/><ref>BBC, February 12, 2007, 22:48 </ref> | |||
===In the United Kingdom=== | |||
Prior to 1977 Monsanto dumped thousands of tons of toxic waste containing ] in a quarry near Groesfaen, Wales.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> | |||
=== |
=== United States === | ||
The ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org |title=Federal Court Strikes Down Ohio Ban On rBGH-Free Labels On Dairy Products |date=30 September 2010 |author=Heather| publisher=The center for food safety |accessdate=3 October 2010}}</ref> listed 112 lawsuits by Monsanto against farmers for claims of seed patent violations.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> The Center for Food Safety's analyst stated that many innocent farmers settle with Monsanto because they cannot afford a time consuming lawsuit. Monsanto is frequently described by farmers as "Gestapo" and "Mafia" both because of these lawsuits and because of the questionable means they use to collect evidence of patent infringement.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> | |||
==== PCBs ==== | |||
Monsanto is responsible for more than 50 ] ] sites, attempts to clean up Monsanto Chemical's formerly uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> | |||
In the late 1960s, the Monsanto plant in ], was the nation's largest producer of ] (PCB) compounds, which remained in the water along Dead Creek there. An EPA official referred to Sauget as "one of the most polluted communities in the region" and "a soup of different chemicals".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06276/727066-28.stm |title=Tiny Sauget, Illinois, likes business misfits |publisher=Post-gazette.com |date=October 3, 2006 |first=William |last=Spain}}</ref> | |||
In ], plaintiffs in a 2002 lawsuit provided documentation showing that the local Monsanto factory knowingly discharged both ] and PCB-laden waste into local creeks for over 40 years.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Monsanto Hid Decades Of Pollution|url=http://www.commondreams.org/headlines02/0101-02.htm|newspaper=]|first=Michael|last=Grunwald|date=January 1, 2002|access-date=May 26, 2013|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108111529/https://www.commondreams.org/headlines02/0101-02.htm}}</ref> In 1969 Monsanto dumped 45 tons of PCBs into Snow Creek, a feeder for ], which supplies much of the area's drinking water, and buried millions of pounds of PCB in open-pit landfills located on hillsides above the plant and surrounding neighborhoods.<ref>{{Cite news|title= PCB Pollution Suits Have Day in Court in Alabama |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C04EED7143AF934A15752C0A9649C8B63|work=The New York Times| first=Kevin | last=Sack | date=January 27, 2002}}</ref> In August 2003, ] and Monsanto agreed to pay plaintiffs $700 million to settle claims by over 20,000 Anniston residents.<ref>{{cite news |author=The Associated Press |title=$700 Million Settlement in Alabama PCB Lawsuit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/21/business/700-million-settlement-in-alabama-pcb-lawsuit.html |work=The New York Times |date=August 21, 2003}}</ref> | |||
As of May 2008, Monsanto is currently engaged in a campaign to prohibit dairies which do not inject their cows with artificial bovine growth hormone from advertising this fact on their milk cartons.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> When the ] did not side with Monsanto on this issue, the company started lobbying state lawmakers to implement a similar ban. Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff attempted to prohibit dairies from using labels stating that their milk does not contain artificial bovine growth hormone, but public outcry led ] to step in and reverse his secretary's position, stating: "The public has a right to complete information about how the milk they buy is produced."<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> | |||
In June 2020, Bayer proposed paying $650 million to settle local PCB lawsuits, and $170 million to the attorneys-general of New Mexico, Washington and the District of Columbia.<ref name=bayerpays /> Monsanto was acknowledged at the time of the settlement to have ceased making PCBs in 1977, though State Impact of Pennsylvania reported that this did not stop PCBs from contaminating people many years later.<ref name=bayerpays /> State Impact of Pennsylvania stated "In 1979, the EPA banned the use of PCBs, but they still exist in some products produced before 1979. They persist in the environment because they bind to sediments and soils. High exposure to PCBs can cause birth defects, developmental delays, and liver changes." On November 25, 2020, however U.S. District Judge ] rejected the proposed $650 million settlement from Bayer and allowed Monsanto-related lawsuits involving PCB to proceed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.semissourian.com/story/2853810.html|title=Bayer's $650 Million PCB Pollution Settlement Rejected by Judge|first1=Joel|last1=Rosenblatt|first2=Mark|last2=Chediak|publisher=Claims Journal|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=December 15, 2020}}{{dead link|date=October 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> | |||
As of May 2012, a petition was signed and a vote will be made by Californians on the labeling of GMOs. The argument is that consumers have a right to know what they are eating, as well as to have a choice on what they are eating, while advocates such as spokespeople for Monsanto and the Council for Biotechnology Information, who represent companies such as Monsanto, say this is just to scare consumers and make them feel that the food is not safe. Biotechnology labeling is not required by the ] but has been adopted by over 40 countries. According to public disclosures, the Council for Biotechnology Information and The Grocery Manufacturers Association, who also oppose this initiative, have each made matching donations of $375,000 to fight the initiative.<ref>http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-05-02/california-heads-for-vote-on-modified-food-labeling</ref> Similar bills are being proposed in Vermont, Hawaii, and Connecticut<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/something-historical-is-a_b_1465861.html | work=Huffington Post | first=Dr | last=Mercola | title=Something Historic Is About to Happen | date=30 April 2012}}</ref> | |||
==== Polluted sites ==== | |||
As of November 2013, Monsanto was associated with nine "active" ] sites and 32 "archived" sites in the US, in the EPA's Superfund database.<ref> Search for "Monsanto" in "Alias/Alternative Site Name" field, first in "active" sites, then "archived" sites, October 20, 2012</ref> Monsanto was sued and settled multiple times for damaging the health of its employees or residents near its Superfund sites through pollution and poisoning.<ref name="washingtonpost">{{Cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-338869.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402115751/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-338869.html |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |title=Monsanto Held Liable For PCB Dumping | newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 22, 2002}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050718082623/http://www.chemicalindustryarchives.org/dirtysecrets/annistonindepth/toxicity.asp |date=July 18, 2005 }}. Chemicalindustryarchives.org.</ref> | |||
==== |
==== GM wheat ==== | ||
Gary Rinehart of ] was sued by Monsanto in 2002, which claimed he had violated their Roundup Ready Soybean patent. Rinehart was not a farmer or seed dealer, sharecropped land with his brother, but he still had to spend money for his legal defense. Monsanto eventually dropped the lawsuit, but never issued an apology, admitted to making a mistake, or was compelled to pay for Rinehart's legal expenses. Saved seed was indeed found planted on the sharecropped farm, however the person responsible for the planted seed was Rinehart's nephew, Tim.<ref name=bas-rinehart>{{cite web|url=http://www.barlettandsteele.com/journalism/vf_monsanto_2.php |title=Barlett & Steele |publisher=Barlettandsteele.com |accessdate=24 September 2010}}</ref> The company has also been accused of showing up at farmers' houses, making accusations, and demanding records.<ref name=bas-rinehart/> | |||
In 2013 a Monsanto-developed transgenic cultivar of ]-resistant ] was discovered on a farm in Oregon, growing as a weed or ]. The final Oregon field test had occurred in 2001. As of May 2013, the GMO seed source was unknown. Volunteer wheat from a former test field two miles away was tested and was not found to be glyphosate-tolerant. Monsanto faced penalties up to $1 million over potential violations of the ]. The discovery threatened world-leading US wheat exports, which totaled $8.1 billion in 2012.<ref name="BloombergWheat">Alan Bjerga, , ''Bloomberg News''. May 29, 2013.</ref><ref>Andrew Pollack, , ''The New York Times'', May 29, 2013.</ref> This wheat variety was rarely exported to Europe and was more likely destined for Asia. Monsanto said it had destroyed all the material it held after completing trials in 2004 and it was "mystified" by its appearance.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23638-monsanto-modified-wheat-mystery-deepens-in-oregon.html|title=Monsanto modified wheat mystery deepens in Oregon |author=Andy Coghlan|magazine=New Scientist|date=2013-06-03}}</ref> On June 14, 2013, the USDA announced: "As of today, USDA has neither found nor been informed of anything that would indicate that this incident amounts to more than a single isolated incident in a single field on a single farm. All information collected so far shows no indication of the presence of GE wheat in commerce."<ref>Staff, ''Food Safety News''. June 17, 2013. </ref> As of August 30, 2013, while the source of the GM wheat remained unknown, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan had all resumed placing orders.<ref>Associated Press. August 30, 2013. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914124347/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/source-gmo-wheat-oregon-remains-mystery |date=September 14, 2013 }}</ref> | |||
Monsanto sued the Pilot Grove Cooperative Elevator in ], claiming that offering seed cleaning services to farmers was tantamount to inducing them to pirate Monsanto seeds. The Pilot Grove Cooperative Elevator had been cleaning seeds for decades before companies such as Monsanto could patent organisms.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> | |||
==== |
==== Cancer risks of Roundup ==== | ||
In 1926, when environmental policy was generally governed by local governments, Monsanto Chemical Company founded and incorporated the town of Monsanto, later renamed ], to provide a more business friendly environment for one of its chemical plants. For years, the Monsanto plant in Sauget was the nation's largest producer of ]. And although polychlorinated biphenyls were banned in the 1970s, they remain in the water along Dead Creek in Sauget. EPA officials referred to Sauget as "one of the most polluted communities in the region" and "a soup of different chemicals"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06276/727066-28.stm |title=Tiny Sauget, Illinois, likes business misfits |publisher=Post-gazette.com |date=2006-10-03 |accessdate=2011-10-28 |first=William |last=Spain}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto has faced controversy in the United States over claims that its herbicide products might be carcinogens. There is limited evidence that human cancer risk might increase as a result of occupational exposure to large amounts of glyphosate, as in agricultural work, but no good evidence of such a risk from home use, such as in domestic gardening.<ref name=cruk>{{cite web |publisher=Cancer Research UK |title=Food Controversies—Pesticides and organic foods |url=http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/diet-and-cancer/food-controversies#food_controversies4 |date=2016 |access-date=November 28, 2017}}</ref> The ] among national pesticide regulatory agencies and scientific organizations is that labeled uses of glyphosate have demonstrated no evidence of human carcinogenicity.<ref name=Tarazona>{{cite journal |last1=Tarazona |first1=Jose V. |last2=Court-Marques |first2=Daniele |last3=Tiramani |first3=Manuela |last4=Reich |first4=Hermine |last5=Pfeil |first5=Rudolf |last6=Istace |first6=Frederique |last7=Crivellente |first7=Federica |title=Glyphosate toxicity and carcinogenicity: a review of the scientific basis of the European Union assessment and its differences with IARC |journal=Archives of Toxicology |date=April 3, 2017 |volume=91 |issue=8 |pages=2723–2743 |doi=10.1007/s00204-017-1962-5 |pmid=28374158 |pmc=5515989}}</ref> Organizations such as the ] (WHO), the ], ], Canadian ], and the German ]<ref>{{cite web |title=The BfR has finalised its draft report for the re-evaluation of glyphosate – BfR |access-date=August 18, 2018 |url=https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/the_bfr_has_finalised_its_draft_report_for_the_re_evaluation_of_glyphosate-188632.html}}</ref> have concluded that there is no evidence that glyphosate poses a carcinogenic or ] risk to humans.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}} However, one international scientific organization, the ] (IARC), affiliated with the WHO, has made claims of carcinogenicity in research reviews; in 2015 the IARC declared glyphosate "probably carcinogenic".<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cressey |first1=Daniel |title=Widely used herbicide linked to cancer |url=https://www.nature.com/news/widely-used-herbicide-linked-to-cancer-1.17181 |journal=Nature |year=2015 |doi=10.1038/nature.2015.17181 |s2cid=131732731 |access-date=April 1, 2019|doi-access=free }}</ref> | |||
====Alabama==== | |||
Monsanto is accused of encouraging residents of ] to use soil known by the company to be contaminated with ] as ].<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> Anniston was labeled as one of the most toxic cities in America from 1935-1971.<ref name=Alabama/> | |||
As of October 30, 2019, there were 42,700 plaintiffs who said that glyphosate herbicides caused their cancer after the IARC report in 2015 linking glyphosate to cancer in humans.<ref name="8K Roundup lawsuits">{{cite news |title=Bayer's Monsanto faces 8,000 lawsuits on glyphosate |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bayer-glyphosate-lawsuits/bayers-monsanto-sued-by-8000-plaintiffs-on-glyphosate-idUSKCN1L81J0 |publisher=Reuters |access-date=September 11, 2018 |date=2018-08-23}}</ref><ref name=NatureonWHO2015>{{cite journal |first1=Daniel |last1=Cressey |name-list-style=vanc |url=http://www.nature.com/news/widely-used-herbicide-linked-to-cancer-1.17181 |title=Widely used herbicide linked to cancer |journal=Nature |date=March 25, 2015 |doi=10.1038/nature.2015.17181 |s2cid=131732731|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="IARC Mono 112">{{cite book |url=https://monographs.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/mono112.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808103032/https://monographs.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/mono112.pdf |archive-date=2018-08-08 |url-status=live |title=IARC Monographs, Volume 112. Glyphosate, in: Some Organophosphate Insecticides and Herbicides |last1=International Agency for Research on Cancer |date=2017 |publisher=IARC/WHO |location=Lyon |pages=321–412}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bayer's Roundup Headache Grows as Plaintiffs Pile Into Court |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-30/bayer-is-now-facing-42-700-plaintiffs-in-roundup-litigation |access-date=31 October 2019 |work=Bloomberg |date=October 30, 2019}}</ref> Monsanto denies that Roundup is carcinogenic.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/15/health/roundup-herbicide-cancer-allegations/index.html|title=Patients: Roundup gave us cancer as EPA official helped the company|first=Holly |last=Yan |others=Photographs by John Francis Peters for |publisher=CNN |access-date=2018-08-13}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/08/10/health/monsanto-johnson-trial-verdict/index.html |title=Jurors give $289 million to a man they say got cancer from Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller |first=Holly |last=Yan |publisher=CNN |access-date=2018-08-13}}</ref> | |||
==Political contributions== | |||
Monsanto gave $186,250 to federal candidates in the 2008 election cycle through its ] (PAC) – 42% to ], 58% to ]. For the 2010 election cycle they gave $305,749 – 48% to ], 52% to ].<ref>, ''Open Secrets.''</ref> | |||
In March 2017, 40 plaintiffs filed a lawsuit at the ], a branch of the California Superior Court, asking for damages caused by the company's glyphosate-based weed-killers, including Roundup, and demanding a jury trial.<ref name="rec">{{cite news|last1=Breitler|first1=Alex|title=SJ, Lode residents among those suing Monsanto claiming Roundup linked to cancer|url=http://www.recordnet.com/news/20170327/sj-lode-residents-among-those-suing-monsanto-claiming-roundup-linked-to-cancer|access-date=2017-04-25|publisher=The Stockton Record|date=2017-03-27}}</ref> On August 10, 2018, Monsanto lost the first decided case. Dewayne Johnson, who has ], was initially awarded $289 million in damages after a jury in San Francisco said that Monsanto had failed to adequately warn consumers of cancer risks posed by the herbicide. Pending appeal, the award was later reduced to $78.5 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Monsanto appeals Roundup cancer verdict |url=https://phys.org/news/2018-11-monsanto-appeals-roundup-cancer-verdict.html |work=Phys.org |access-date=November 30, 2018}}</ref><ref name="ABC7">{{cite web |title=Roundup maker Monsanto appeals $78.5 million verdict over Bay Area man's cancer |url=https://abc7news.com/society/roundup-maker-monsanto-appeals-$785-million-verdict-over-bay-area-mans-cancer/4728882/ |website=ABC7 San Francisco |access-date=November 30, 2018 |date=November 21, 2018}}</ref> In November 2018, Monsanto appealed the judgement, asking an appellate court to consider a motion for a new trial.<ref name="ABC7"/> A verdict on the appeal was delivered in June 2020 upholding the verdict but further reducing the award to $21.5 million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Egelko |first1=Bob |title=Award to Vallejo groundskeeper in Monsanto cancer case slashed again - verdict upheld |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Award-to-Vallejo-groundskeeper-in-Monsanto-cancer-15421705.php |access-date=3 March 2021 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=21 July 2020}}</ref> | |||
===Lobbying=== | |||
The company spent $8,831,120 for ] in 2008. $1,492,000 was to outside ]s with the remainder being spent using in-house lobbyists.<ref>, ''Open Secrets.''</ref> In 2011 money spent on lobbying was about $6.3 million, more than any other agribusiness firm except the tobacco company Altria.<ref>http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?id=D000000211&year=2011</ref> | |||
On March 27, 2019, Monsanto was found liable in a federal court for Edwin Hardeman's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and ordered to pay $80 million in damages. A spokesperson for Bayer, by this time the parent company of Monsanto, said the company would appeal the verdict.<ref>{{cite news |last=Levin |first=Sam |title=Monsanto found liable for California man's cancer and ordered to pay $80m in damages |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/27/monsanto-trial-verdict-cancer-jury |work=] |date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=March 28, 2019 }}</ref> | |||
==Public officials formerly employed by Monsanto== | |||
*United States Supreme Court Justice ] worked as an attorney for Monsanto in the 1970s. Thomas wrote the majority opinion in the 2001 Supreme Court decision J. E. M. Ag Supply, Inc. v. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.<ref name="cornell1996">{{cite web|url=http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/99-1996.ZS.html |title=J. E. M. Ag Supply, Inc. V. Pioneer Hi-Bredinternational, Inc |publisher=Law.cornell.edu |date= |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> which found that "newly developed plant breeds are patentable under the general utility patent laws of the United States." This case benefitted all companies which profit from genetically modified crops, of which Monsanto is the largest.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/><ref name="cornell1996"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/articles/harl/HarlMar02.htm |title=Key Supreme Court ruling on plant patents * – McEowen, Harl March 2002 |publisher=Extension.iastate.edu |date=2002-01-18 |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> | |||
*] was an assistant to the ] (FDA) commissioner before he left to work for a law firm on gaining FDA approval of Monsanto’s artificial growth hormone in the 1980s. Taylor then became deputy commissioner of the FDA from 1991 to 1994.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> Taylor was later re-appointed to the FDA in August 2009 by President ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.counterpunch.org/kenfield08142009.html |title=Monsanto's Man in the Obama Administration |publisher=Counterpunch.org |date=2009-08-14 |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> | |||
*Dr. Michael A. Friedman was a deputy commissioner of the FDA before he was hired as a senior vice president of Monsanto.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> | |||
*] was an assistant administrator at the ] (EPA) before she was a vice president at Monsanto from 1995 to 2000. In 2001, Fisher became the deputy administrator of the EPA.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> | |||
*Former Secretary of Defense ] was chairman and chief executive officer of G. D. Searle & Co., which Monsanto purchased in 1985. Rumsfeld personally made at least $12 million USD from the transaction.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> | |||
On May 13, 2019, a jury in California ordered Bayer to pay $2 billion in damages after finding that the company had failed to adequately inform consumers of the possible carcinogenicity of Roundup.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-13/bayer-loses-its-third-trial-over-claims-roundup-causes-cancer |title=Bayer's $2 Billion Roundup Damages Boost Pressure to Settle |publisher=Bloomberg News |access-date=2019-05-14}}</ref> On July 26, 2019, an Alameda County judge cut the settlement to $86.7 million, stating that the judgement by the jury exceeded legal precedent.<ref>{{cite news |title=Judge cuts $2 billion award for couple with cancer to $86.7 million in Roundup lawsuit |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/07/26/judge-cuts-billion-award-couple-with-cancer-million-roundup-lawsuit |date=2019-07-26 |newspaper=] |first=Taylor |last=Telford |access-date=2019-07-27}}</ref> | |||
*Former Monsanto lobbyist ] was appointed as a senior adviser to the ] Commissioner on food safety on 7 July 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2009/ucm170842.htm |title=Noted Food Safety Expert Michael R. Taylor Named Advisor to FDA Commissioner |publisher=Fda.gov |date=2009-07-07 |accessdate=2011-10-28}}</ref> | |||
In June 2020, Monsanto acquisitor Bayer agreed to settle over a hundred thousand Roundup cancer lawsuits, agreeing to pay $8.8 to $9.6 billion to settle those claims, and $1.5 billion for any future claims. The settlement does not include three cases that have already gone to jury trials and are being appealed.<ref name=bayerpays>{{cite news |last1=Chappell |first1=Bill |title=Bayer To Pay More Than $10 Billion To Resolve Cancer Lawsuits Over Weedkiller Roundup |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/06/24/882949098/bayer-to-pay-more-than-10-billion-to-resolve-roundup-cancer-lawsuits |access-date=12 July 2020 |publisher=NPR |date=24 June 2020}}</ref> | |||
==Sponsorships== | |||
Monsanto has been the corporate sponsor of many attractions at ] and ]. | |||
====Dicamba lawsuits==== | |||
At Disneyland they include: | |||
Following a lawsuit by a ] farmer alleging that Dicamba used as a weed killer drifted in the wind from adjacent crops to destroy his peach orchards, a ] trial jury found in February 2020 that Monsanto and codefendant ] were negligent in design of Dicamba and failed to warn farmers about the product, awarding $15 million for losses and $250 million in ].<ref name="ruff">{{cite news |url=https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/monsanto-basf-will-pay-250-million-punitive-damages-first-dicamba-trial |title=Monsanto, BASF Will Pay $250 Million In Punitive Damages In First Dicamba Trial |author=Corrine Ruff |date=15 February 2020 |work=St. Louis Public Radio |access-date=15 February 2020}}</ref> On February 14, 2020, the jury involved in a Missouri lawsuit involving tree damage caused by dicamba drift ruled against Bayer and its co-defendant BASF and found in favor of Bader Farms owner Bill Bader.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/jury-finds-in-favor-of-missouri-peach-grower-in-lawsuit/article_adcb9979-ca3e-557b-878e-7be4e301adbc.html|title = Jury finds in favor of Missouri peach grower in lawsuit against Bayer, BASF| date=February 14, 2020 }}</ref> In June 2020, Bayer agreed to a settlement of up to $400 million for all 2015–2020 crop year dicamba claims, not including the $250 million judgement which was issued to Bader.<ref name=bayerpays /> On November 25, 2020, U.S. District Judge ] reduced the punitive damage amount in the Bader Farms case to $60 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.semissourian.com/story/2853810.html|title=District Judge orders reduction of punitive damages in dicamba case|first=J.C.|last=Reeves|publisher=Southeast Missourian|date=December 15, 2020|access-date=December 15, 2020}}{{dead link|date=October 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> | |||
=== Improper accounting for incentive rebates === | |||
* Hall of Chemistry (until 1967) | |||
From 2009 to 2011, Monsanto improperly accounted for incentive rebates. The actions inflated Monsanto's reported profit by $31 million over the two years. Monsanto paid $80 million in penalties pursuant to a subsequent settlement with the ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/11/business/for-monsanto-whistle-blower-a-22-million-award-that-fell-short.html|title=Monsanto Whistle-Blower: $22 Million Richer, but Not Satisfied|last=Morgenson|first=Gretchen|date=2016-09-09|work=The New York Times|access-date=2017-12-22|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Monsanto materially misstated its consolidated earnings in response to losing market share of Roundup to generic producers. Monsanto overhauled its internal controls. Two of their top CPAs were suspended and Monsanto was required to hire, at their expense, an independent ethics/compliance consultant for two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2016/33-10037.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405051304/http://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2016/33-10037.pdf |archive-date=2016-04-05 |url-status=live|title=ORDER INSTITUTING ADMINISTRATIVE AND CEASE-AND-DESIST PROCEEDINGS PURSUANT TO SECTION 8A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, SECTIONS 4C AND 21C OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AND RULE 102(e) OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES OF PRACTICE, MAKING FINDINGS AND IMPOSING REMEDIAL SANCTIONS AND A CEASE-AND-DESIST ORDER|website=SEC.gov|access-date=October 4, 2016}}</ref> | |||
* Fashions and Fabrics through the Years (from 1965 to 1966) | |||
* ] (from 1957 to 1967) | |||
* ] (from 1967 to 1985) | |||
===Alleged ghostwriting=== | |||
And at Walt Disney World they include: | |||
A review of glyphosate's carcinogenic potential by four independent expert panels, with a comparison to the ] assessment, was published in September 2016. Using emails released in August 2017 by plaintiffs' lawyers who are suing Monsanto, '']'' reported that "Monsanto scientists were heavily involved in organizing, reviewing, and editing drafts submitted by the outside experts." A Monsanto spokesperson responded that Monsanto had provided only non-substantive cosmetic copyediting.<ref>{{cite news|title=Monsanto Was Its Own Ghostwriter for Some Safety Reviews|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-09/monsanto-was-its-own-ghostwriter-for-some-safety-reviews|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=August 9, 2017 |access-date=October 26, 2017}}</ref> | |||
* Magic Eye Theatre at ] | |||
* ] | |||
In 2017, ''The New York Times'' reported that a 2015 article attributed to researcher and columnist ] had been drafted by Monsanto.<ref name=nytmill>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/business/monsantos-sway-over-research-is-seen-in-disclosed-emails.html|title=Monsanto's Sway Over Research Is Seen in Disclosed Emails|date=2 August 2017|access-date=2 August 2017|work=]}}</ref> According to the report, Monsanto asked Miller to write an article rebutting the findings of the ], and he indicated willingness to do it if he "could start from a high-quality draft".<ref name=nytmill/> Forbes later removed Miller's blog from Forbes.com and ended their relationship.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/01/business/monsantos-sway-over-research-is-seen-in-disclosed-emails.html|title=Monsanto Emails Raise Issue of Influencing Research on Roundup Weed Killer|last=Hakim|first=Danny|date=2017-08-01|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-08|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> | |||
All attractions that the company has ever sponsored (except for the Magic Eye Theatre, in the Future World section of Epcot) were located in ]. | |||
==Government relations== | |||
Monsanto is cited as one of the major sponsors behind the ] in many web sites but not in the home page of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.<ref>{{cite web | |||
| title = Global Crop Diversity Trust donors | |||
| date = 29 September 2010 | |||
| url = http://www.croptrust.org/documents/web/FundingStatus30-09-2010.pdf | |||
| accessdate =22 October 2010}} | |||
</ref> Monsanto does share technology and patents with following companies mentioned in the referred document: The Australia based ] (])<ref>{{cite web | |||
| title = Monsanto – GRDC Collaboration | |||
| date = 26 August 2010 | |||
| url = http://monsanto.mediaroom.com/intergrain-monsanto-new-wheat-breeding-collaboration | |||
| accessdate =22 October 2010}} | |||
</ref> and the Swiss based company ]<ref>{{Cite news | |||
| title = Syngenta and Monsanto Settle and Share | |||
| date = 29 September 2010 | |||
| url = http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/23/syngenta-monsanto-settlement-markets-equity-cx_lkm_0523markets14.html | |||
| accessdate =22 October 2010 | |||
| work=Forbes}} | |||
</ref> | |||
===United States=== | |||
==Representation in the media== | |||
Monsanto regularly ] the US government with<ref>, ] December 15, 2011, ©2012 BLOOMBERG L.P.</ref> expenses reaching $8.8 million in 2008<ref>, ''Open Secrets.''</ref> and $6.3 million in 2011.<ref name="OpenSecrets">{{cite web|url=http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?id=D000000211&year=2011 |title=Lobbying Spending Database – Monsanto Co, 2011 |publisher=OpenSecrets |date=September 17, 2012}}</ref> $2 million was spent on matters concerning "Foreign Agriculture Biotechnology Laws, Regulations, and Trade". Some US diplomats in Europe at other times worked directly for Monsanto.<ref name="07Paris4723" /> | |||
Documentaries: | |||
*'']'' | |||
*'']'' | |||
*'']'' | |||
*'']''. Critical of Monsanto's activities in Canada and the US. | |||
* '']'' | |||
* '']'' | |||
* '']''<ref>''The Monsanto Story – Part 1'' (1901–1994), 2007, 22 min, by Andy Radford, </ref> | |||
* '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/lroc.html |title=Life Running Out of Control | Bullfrog Films: 1-800-543-3764: Environmental DVDs and Educational DVDs |publisher=Bullfrog Films |accessdate=24 September 2010}}</ref> | |||
* '']''<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E42ndfjnP1g|title= Journeyman Features: David Vs Monsanto|publisher=Journeyman Pictures|accessdate=6 September 2010}}</ref> | |||
]'s 2012 ] would have mandated the ] of ] used in the production of California food products. Monsanto spent $8.1 million opposing passage, making it the largest contributor against the initiative. The proposition was rejected by a 53.7% majority.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/nov/07/prop-37-californian-gm-labelling?INTCMP=SRCH|title=Prop 37: Californian voters reject GM food labelling|last=Vaughan|first=Adam|date=November 7, 2012|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London}}</ref> Labeling is not required in the US.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-05-02/california-heads-for-vote-on-modified-food-labeling|title=California Heads for Vote on Modified Food Labeling |magazine=Businessweek |date=May 2, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Huffington Post">{{cite news|last=Gillam|first=Carey |title=Prop 37: California GMO Fight Pits Big Food Against Activists| url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/17/prop-37-california_n_1791555.html|work=The Huffington Post|date=August 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
Books: | |||
*'']'': The Dark Side of the All-American Meal (2001) | |||
*'']'' | |||
*''] by ] | |||
In 2009 ], food safety expert and former Monsanto VP for ],<ref name="Fda.gov">{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2009/ucm170842.htm|title=Noted Food Safety Expert Michael R. Taylor Named Advisor to FDA Commissioner|publisher=Fda.gov |date=July 7, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="Sandra Hoffmann 2005">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bguf6j-BOR0C|title=Toward Safer Food: Perspectives on Risk and Priority Setting|last1=Hoffmann|first1=Sandra|last2=Taylor|first2=Michael R.|date=September 30, 2010|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-52451-6}}</ref><ref name=WilsonCenterBio>{{cite web |url=http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/sept_20_bios.pdf |title=Woodrow Wilson Center bio |access-date=May 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107023113/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/sept_20_bios.pdf |archive-date=January 7, 2019 }}</ref> became a ] to the FDA ].<ref name="fda">FDA News Release July 7, 2009 </ref> | |||
===''Le Monde selon Monsanto''=== | |||
In March 2008, French journalist ] released the results of her three years of research worldwide into Monsanto. A book was published by ], a French editor, and a video documentary, ''Le Monde selon Monsanto'' ('']''), was released on DVD and shown on ], the Franco-German culture TV channel.<ref> from ]</ref><ref> from ]</ref> | |||
Monsanto is a member of the Washington D.C based ] (BIO), the world's largest biotechnology ], which provides "advocacy, business development, and communications services."<ref>{{cite web | title = Modified crops increase herbicide use, WSU researcher says | Local News | The Seattle Times | url = http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2019418644_pesticides13m.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = About BIO | BIO | url = http://www.bio.org/articles/about-bio | access-date = November 7, 2012 | archive-date = November 12, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121112012349/http://www.bio.org/articles/about-bio }}</ref> Between 2010 and 2011 BIO spent a total of $16.43 million on lobbying.<ref>{{cite web | title = Lobbying Spending Database-Biotechnology Industry Organization, 2010 | OpenSecrets | url = https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/firmsum.php?id=D000024369&year=2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Lobbying Spending Database-Biotechnology Industry Organization, 2011 | OpenSecrets | url = https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/firmsum.php?id=D000024369&year=2011 }}</ref> | |||
It reveals numerous controversial facts about Monsanto. Marie-Monique Robin traveled the world to meet scientists and political figures in order to investigate the consequences of several Monsanto products. Those interviewed include ], a Canadian researcher who was fired by ] for revealing an attempted bribe by Monsanto regarding the attempted introduction of Bovine Growth Hormone into Canada. The author of the research met several independent scientists around the world who tried to warn the political authorities about the use of GM seeds. According to the journalist, most of these scientists actually lost their jobs as a consequence of their speaking out. The "]" is also pointed out in the research as a threat to the quality and independence of the scientific conclusions about the effects of Monsanto products, especially those made by the ]. | |||
The Monsanto Company Citizenship Fund aka Monsanto Citizenship Fund is a ] that donated over $10 million to various candidates from 2003 to 2013.<ref>] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225161526/http://www.followthemoney.org/database/topcontributor.phtml?u=1758&y=0 |date=February 25, 2012 }}</ref><ref>Staff, Monsanto. Retrieved July 22, 2013 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829054837/http://www.monsanto.com/whoweare/Pages/political-disclosures.aspx |date=August 29, 2013 }}</ref><ref>Federal Election Commission. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507203827/http://query.nictusa.com/pdf/287/13941177287/13941177287.pdf |date=May 7, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://images.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?C00042069 |title=COMMITTEE DETAILS FOR COMMITTEE ID C00042069 |access-date=June 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000557/http://images.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?C00042069 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.libertyff.com/committees.php?id=C00042069|title=LibertyFF report on the Monsanto Citizenship Fund PAC|access-date=July 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014091653/http://www.libertyff.com/committees.php?id=C00042069|archive-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> | |||
Robin travels to India, Mexico, ], and ] to see how Monsanto's ]s (GMOs) have affected local farmers using it for their crops. The claim is that suicide rates of farmers in India have increased as farmers are finding it harder to earn a living using more expensive Monsanto seeds that despite claims still require specific ] and fertilizer (see above). Mexico, having banned GMOs, is trying to limit contamination and crossbreeding from subsidized U.S. GMO ] imported in via ] (NAFTA) for eating. Argentinian farmers are giving up farming and moving to urban ]s because they cannot compete with ]s and are finding their farms, livestock, and children being negatively affected by pesticide ]. Paraguay was forced to accept GMO crops as it was being anonymously imported and grown en masse, so not allowing its export would have negatively impacted the economy. In all cases genetic variation is reduced as a result of ] and ownership is increasingly concentrated. | |||
As of October 2013, Monsanto and ] continued backing an anti-labeling campaign, spending roughly $18 million. The state of Washington, along with 26 other states, made proposals in November to require GMO labeling.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-25/monsanto-bets-5-million-in-fight-over-gene-altered-food.html | work=Bloomberg | title=Monsanto Bets $5 Million in Fight Over Gene-Altered Food}}</ref> | |||
Monsanto declined to participate in the documentary. | |||
====Revolving door==== | |||
==In popular culture== | |||
In the US regulatory environment, many individuals move back and forth between positions in the public and private sectors, including at Monsanto. Critics argued that the connections between the company and the government allowed Monsanto to obtain favorable regulations at the expense of consumer safety.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Revolving Doors: Monsanto and the Regulators |journal=The Ecologist |last=Ferrara |first=Jennifer |date=September–October 1998 |volume=28 |number=5 |pages=280–286 |url=http://exacteditions.theecologist.org/browsePages.do?issue=5361&size=3&pageLabel=280 |access-date=December 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226013506/http://exacteditions.theecologist.org/browsePages.do?issue=5361&size=3&pageLabel=280 |archive-date=December 26, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://mises.org/daily/6580/ |title=Monsanto's Friends in High Places |work=Mises Daily |date=November 9, 2013 |last=Lewis |first=Hunter |author-link=Hunter Lewis |publisher=] |access-date=December 25, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/04/10/1832621/monsanto-protection-act-power |title=The Real Monsanto Protection Act: How The GMO Giant Corrupts Regulators And Consolidates Its Power |last=Shen |first=Aviva |date=April 10, 2013 |work=ThinkProgress |access-date=December 25, 2013}}</ref> Supporters of the practice point to the benefits of competent and experienced individuals in both sectors and to the importance of appropriately managing potential ].<ref>Stephanie Armour for Bloomberg News. February 29, 2012. </ref><ref>OECD August 23, 2010 {{ISBN|9789264056701}}</ref>{{rp|16–23}} The list of such people includes: | |||
* Mestizo band '']'' together with '']'' released a song entitled "Glifosato" criticizing the RoundUp series of products. | |||
* Sponsored the ] films "America the Beautiful" and "Magic Carpet ‘Round the World" in Tomorrowland, Walt Disney World. | |||
*]—EPA assistant administrator, then Monsanto VP from 1995 to 2000. then EPA deputy administrator.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2008/05/monsanto200805|title=Monsanto's Cruel, and Dangerous, Monopolization on American Farming|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=April 2, 2008}}</ref> | |||
*In the 2008 film '']'', the fictional chemical company U-North is loosely based on Monsanto.{{Citation needed|date=December 2011}} | |||
*Michael A. Friedman, MD—FDA deputy commissioner.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Dr. Michael Friedman, After Serving at the NCI, FDA, and Pharmacia, Returns to Academia as CEO of City of Hope|journal=Oncology Times|volume=25|issue=12|pages=41–42|date=June 25, 2003|doi=10.1097/01.COT.0000289833.46951.54|last1=Laino|first1=Charlene|doi-access=free}}</ref> | |||
*The folk band ] released a song entitled "Food `n health `n hope (Monsanto Song)". | |||
*Earle H. Harbison Jr., Central Intelligence Agency Deputy Director, then President, Chief Operating Officer, and Director, from 1986 to 1993.<ref name="ForbesPlanet" /> | |||
*The documentary film '']'' contains numerous references to Monsanto and its business practices. | |||
*Robert Holifield—chief of staff of Senate Agriculture Committee, then partner in Lincoln Policy Group.<ref>, ''The Huffington Post''.</ref> | |||
*Punk rock band '']'' released a song entitled "Monsanto Hayride" criticizing corporate wrongdoing. | |||
*]—US ], then Monsanto board member.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest" /> | |||
*Punk rock band '']'' released a song entitled "The W.T.O. Kills Farmers" which accuses Monsanto of murder as a result of their business practices. | |||
*]—US Senator and chair of ], then founder of lobbying firm Lincoln Policy Group | |||
*The Greek low-bap/rap band '']'' released a song entitled "Allios Skapste" criticizing Monsanto of its business practices. | |||
* |
*]—EPA Administrator, then acting Director of the ], and then ], then EPA administrator, then Monsanto Board member.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ruckelshauscenter.wsu.edu/advisory-board-members/william-d-ruckelshaus/|title=William D. Ruckelshaus|publisher=Ruckelshauscenter.wsu.edu}}</ref> | ||
*]—] and previous secretary of Searle, a Monsanto subsidiary, for eight years<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|jstor=j.ctt183p5cm|title=Making the World Safe for Capitalism: How Iraq Threatened the US Economic Empire and had to be Destroyed|last=Doran|first=Christopher|publisher=Pluto Press|year=2012|isbn=978-0-7453-3222-2|page=214|doi=10.2307/j.ctt183p5cm}}</ref> | |||
*In the 2010 ]n film ], the head of an Indian state asks his assistant to award all government agricultural contracts to a company called 'Somanto'. | |||
*]—assistant to the FDA commissioner, then attorney for ],<ref>{{cite news |title=New FDA deputy to lead food-safety mandate |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/13/AR2010011304402.html |first=Lyndsey |last=Layton |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 14, 2010}}</ref><ref>Palast, Gregory (February 21, 1999) , The Guardian</ref> then FDA deputy commissioner for policy on food safety between 1991 and 1994.<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/> He was cleared of conflict of interest accusations. Then he became Monsanto's VP for Public Policy,<ref name="Fda.gov"/><ref name="Sandra Hoffmann 2005"/><ref name="WilsonCenterBio"/> becoming Senior Advisor to the FDA Commissioner for the Obama administration.<ref name="fda" /> | |||
*TV Show ] episode ''Bad Seed'' involves a corporation using tactics similar to Monsanto's. | |||
* ]—] who worked as an attorney for Monsanto in the 1970s, then wrote the majority opinion in '']''<ref name="cornell1996">{{cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/99-1996.ZS.html |title=J. E. M. Ag Supply, Inc. V. Pioneer Hi-Bredinternational, Inc|publisher=Law.cornell.edu }}</ref> finding that "newly developed plant breeds are patentable under the general utility patent laws of the United States."<ref name="url_monsantoharvest"/><ref name=":3" /><ref name="cornell1996"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/articles/harl/HarlMar02.htm |title=Key Supreme Court ruling on plant patents – McEowen, Harl March 2002 |publisher=Extension.iastate.edu |date=January 18, 2002 |access-date=May 19, 2008 |archive-date=December 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202000652/http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/articles/harl/HarlMar02.htm }}</ref> | |||
*In the 2008 French documentary film "The World According to Monsanto", Marie-Monique Robin shows the corruption of various government officials & the silencing of dissenting scientists by Monsanto. It also shows the effect Monsanto has had on some of the world's agricultural markets. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1189345/ | |||
*]—Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, and member of the board of directors of Calgene<ref name=":3" /> | |||
*Folk artist ] released a song entitled "Monsanto Jones," criticizing Monsanto's business practices by way of making light of a character named Monsanto Jones. | |||
===United Kingdom=== | |||
During the late 1990s, Monsanto lobbied to raise permitted glyphosate levels in soybeans and was successful in convincing ] and both the UK and US governments to lift levels 200 times to 20 milligrams per kilogram of soya.<ref name="captive">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TdYPAAAAQBAJ|title=Captive State: The Corporate Takeover of Britain|last=Monbiot|first=George|date=July 11, 2013|publisher=Pan Macmillan|isbn=978-1-4472-5247-4}}</ref>{{rp|265}} When asked how negotiations with Monsanto were conducted, ], then the ] Agriculture minister in the ], stated that all information relating to the matter would be "kept secret".<ref name=captive />{{rp|265}} During the 24 months prior to the 1997 British election Monsanto representatives had 22 meetings at the departments of Agriculture and the Environment.<ref name=captive/>{{rp|266}} ], an election advisor to ], later worked as a Monsanto consultant.<ref name=captive/>{{rp|266}} Former Labour spokesperson David Hill, became Monsanto's media adviser at the lobbying firm ].<ref name=captive/>{{rp|266}} The Labour government was challenged in Parliament about "trips, facilities, gifts and other offerings of financial value provided by Monsanto to civil servants", but only acknowledged that ] had two working lunches with Monsanto.<ref name=captive/>{{rp|267}} ], then a ] ] and Chairman of the Agriculture Select Committee, received up to £10,000 a year from Bell Pottinger on behalf of Monsanto.<ref name=captive/>{{rp|266}}<ref>{{cite news | title = Monsanto's lobby firm pays key MP | url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/1999/jul/04/uk.politicalnews |date=July 4, 1999| first = Antony | last = Barnett | newspaper =The Guardian | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Resign call over MP's link with GM food firm | url = https://www.theguardian.com/science/1999/jul/11/gm.food |date=July 11, 1999 | first = Antony | last = Barnett | newspaper =The Guardian | location=London}}</ref> | |||
===European Union=== | |||
In January 2011, ] documents suggested that US diplomats in Europe responded to a request for help from the Spanish government. One report stated, "In addition, the cables show US diplomats working directly for GM companies such as Monsanto. 'In response to recent urgent requests by state secretary Josep Puxeu and Monsanto, post requests renewed US government support of Spain's science-based agricultural biotechnology position through high-level US government intervention.'"<ref name="07Paris4723" /><ref name="cbc.ca">{{cite news |title=U.S. targeted EU on GM foods: WikiLeaks |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/u-s-targeted-eu-on-gm-foods-wikileaks-1.1010690 |date=March 9, 2011 |publisher=]}}</ref> The leaked documents showed that in 2009, when the Spanish government's policy approving ] was under pressure from EU interests, Monsanto's Director for Biotechnology for Spain and Portugal requested that the US government support Spain on the matter.<ref name="07Paris4723">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jan/03/wikileaks-us-eu-gm-crops |title=WikiLeaks: US targets EU over GM crops |work=] |author=Vidal, John |date=January 3, 2011 |location=London, UK}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=EUobserver |title=Spain a key ally of pro-GMO America, cables reveal |url=http://euobserver.com/news/31544 |date=December 20, 2010}}</ref> The leaks indicated that Spain and the US had worked closely together to "persuade the EU not to strengthen biotechnology laws".<ref name="07Paris4723" /><ref name="cbc.ca"/> Spain was viewed as a key GMO supporter and a leading indicator of support across the continent.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Presses Europe to Worship Genetically Modified Foods |author=Estabrook, Barry |website=] |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2011/01/us-presses-europe-to-worship-genetically-modified-foods/69633/|date=January 17, 2011}}</ref><ref name="El Pais">{{cite web |title=EE UU: "España nos pide que presionemos a Bruselas a favor de los transgénicos" |work=El Pais |url=http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.aspx?from=es&to=en&a=http://elpais.com/diario/2010/12/19/espana/1292713201_850215.html |date=December 19, 2010}}</ref> The leaks also revealed that in response to an attempt by France to ban MON810 in late 2007, then-US ambassador to France, ], asked Washington to "calibrate a targeted retaliation list that some pain across the EU", targeting countries that did not support the use of GM crops.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jan/03/wikileaks-us-eu-gm-crops |title=WikiLeaks: US targets EU over GM crops |work=The Guardian |author=Vidal, John |date=January 3, 2011 |location=London, UK}}</ref> This activity transpired after the US, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, Mexico and New Zealand had brought an action against Europe via the World Trade Organization with respect to the EU's banning of GMOs; in 2006, the ] had ruled against the EU.<ref name="El Pais" /><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907170429/http://www.euractiv.com/en/trade/eu-gmo-ban-illegal-wto-rules/article-155197 |date=September 7, 2008 }}, euractiv.com (updated May 23, 2007)</ref><ref>, World Trade Organisation.</ref> | |||
Monsanto was a member of ], the leading biotechnology trade group in Europe. One of EuropaBio's initiatives is "Transforming Europe's position on GM food". It found "an urgent need to reshape the terms of the debate about GM in Europe".<ref name="guardian.co.uk"> ''The Guardian'', October 20, 2011</ref> EuropaBio proposed the recruitment of high-profile "ambassadors" to lobby EU officials.<ref name="guardian.co.uk"/><ref> John Vidal and Hanna Gersmann, '']'', October 20, 2011</ref><ref> (Draft letter from EuropaBio to potential GM ambassadors seeking their involvement in the outreach programme), ''The Guardian'', October 20, 2011</ref> | |||
In September 2017 Monsanto lobbyists were banned from the European parliament after the Monsanto refused to attend a parliamentary hearing into allegations of regulatory interference.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/28/monsanto-banned-from-european-parliament|title=Monsanto banned from European parliament|first=Arthur|last=Neslen|date=September 28, 2017|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> | |||
=== Haiti === | |||
After the ], Monsanto donated $255,000 for disaster relief<ref name=SeedDaily>, Hinche, Haiti (AFP) June 4, 2010</ref> and 60,000 seed sacks (475 tons) of hybrid (non-GM) corn and vegetable seeds worth $4 million.<ref name=BusinessWeek>{{cite magazine|last=Katz |first=Jonathan M. |url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9FMUQN80.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100518201252/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9FMUQN80.htm |archive-date=May 18, 2010 |title=Monsanto gives Haiti $4 million in hybrid seeds |magazine=BusinessWeek |date=May 14, 2010}}</ref> However, a ] (CRS) rapid assessment of seed supply and demand for the five most common food security crops found that the Haitians had enough seed and recommended that imported seeds be introduced only on a small scale.<ref> Catholic Relief Services, March 2010</ref> Emmanuel Prophete, head of Haiti's Ministry of Agriculture's Service National Semencier (SNS), stated that SNS was not opposed to the hybrid maize seeds because they at least double yields. Louise Sperling, Principal Researcher at the ] (CIAT) told HGW that she was not opposed to hybrids, but noted that most hybrids required extra water and better soils and that most of Haiti was not appropriate for hybrids. | |||
Activists objected that some of the seeds were coated with the ]s Maxim or ]. In the United States, ]s containing thiram are banned in home garden products because most home gardeners do not have adequate protection.<ref>. (PDF).</ref> Activists wrote that the coated seeds were handled in a dangerous manner by the recipients.<ref name=truth>{{cite web |url=http://www.truth-out.org/monsanto-haiti/1304605989 |title=Monsanto in Haiti |publisher=Truth-out.org |access-date=February 9, 2012 |archive-date=May 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509194832/http://www.truth-out.org/monsanto-haiti/1304605989 }}</ref> | |||
The donated seeds were sold at a reduced price in local markets.<ref name=BusinessWeek /> However, farmers feared that they were being given seeds that would "threaten local varieties".<ref name=SeedDaily /> | |||
== Public relations == | |||
Monsanto has engaged in various ] campaigns to improve its image and public perception of some of its products.<ref>Jenny Hopkinson, "", ''Politico'', November 29, 2013.</ref><ref>John Vidal, "", ''The Guardian'', October 6, 1999.</ref> These include developing a relationship with scientist ] with respect to ].<ref>Sarah Boseley, ""; ''The Guardian'', December 8, 2006.</ref><ref>"", ''BBC'', December 8, 2006.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Tweedale|first=Geoffrey|date=2007-04-01|title=Hero or Villain?—Sir Richard Doll and Occupational Cancer|journal=International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health|volume=13|issue=2|pages=233–235|doi=10.1179/oeh.2007.13.2.233|issn=1077-3525|pmid=17718181|s2cid=40438560}}</ref> Other campaigns include the joint funding with other biotech companies for the website ].<ref>Eric Lipton, "", ''The New York Times'', September 9, 2015.</ref> | |||
=== Sponsorships === | |||
* ] attractions, namely: | |||
** Hall of Chemistry (1955 to 1966)<ref name="HallOfChemistry">. Yesterland.com.</ref> | |||
** ] (from 1957 to 1967)<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829035358/http://alum.mit.edu/pages/sliceofmit/2010/04/30/monsanto_mit_house/ |date=August 29, 2012 }}. Alum.mit.edu (April 30, 2010)</ref><ref>. Yesterland.com.</ref> | |||
** Fashions and Fabrics through the Years (from 1965 to 1966)<ref name="HallOfChemistry" /> | |||
** ] (from 1967 to 1986)<ref>. Yesterland.com.</ref> | |||
* Monsanto has donated $10 million to the ] in St. Louis in the 1970s, which named its 1998 plant science facility the 'Monsanto Center', which has been renamed in 2018 as the 'Bayer Center'.<ref>Press release Missouri Botanical Garden, June 5, 2012</ref> | |||
* ] | |||
** ] exhibit<ref>{{Dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Field Museum, page 10, 2007: "Restricted gifts and grants 100,000 to $249,999"</ref> and "Underground Adventures" since 2011 "about the importance and fragility of the ecosystem within soil".<ref>Press Release {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627075337/https://www.fieldmuseum.org/underground-adventure-press-release |date=June 27, 2017 }} Field Museum, 2011</ref> | |||
**"Monsanto Environmental Education Initiative", led by Gregory M. Mueller | |||
** Chair of the Department of Botany and Associate Curator of Mycology<ref>{{Dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Office of Academic Affairs, The Field Museum, March 20, 2000, page 53</ref> | |||
** Staff of the Field Museum, such as Curator Mark W. Westneat, attended Monsanto meetings<ref>Office of Collections and Research, The Field Museum page 64.</ref> | |||
*], renamed in 2018 as the Bayer Insectarium, at the ], in ], | |||
=== University relationships === | |||
Monsanto was a major funder of science research at ] for many years.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.247.4946.1027|title=Monsanto - WashU|journal=Science|date=March 2, 1990|volume=247|issue=4946|page=1027|doi=10.1126/science.247.4946.1027|last1=Culliton|first1=Barbara J.|pmid=17800050}}</ref> This research was highlighted by the Washington University/Monsanto Biomedical Research Agreement, which brought more than $100 million of research funding to the university.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beckerarchives.wustl.edu/?p=collections/findingaid&id=8381&q=&rootcontentid=157655|title=WU/Monsanto Biomedical Research Agreement {{!}} Vertical File Collection, Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives|website=beckerarchives.wustl.edu|access-date=2019-08-19}}</ref> ] built the Monsanto Laboratory of the Life Sciences in 1965.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wustl.edu/about/campuses/danforth-campus/monsanto-laboratory-life-sciences/|title=Monsanto Laboratory of the Life Sciences|website=Washington University in St. Louis|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-19|archive-date=August 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822180137/https://wustl.edu/about/campuses/danforth-campus/monsanto-laboratory-life-sciences/}}</ref> In 2015, Monsanto gave Washington University's Institute for School Partnership a $1.94 million grant to help better teach students in STEM fields.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://monsanto.com/news-releases/monsanto-fund-awards-1-9-million-grant-to-institute-for-school-partnership/|title=Monsanto Fund Awards $1.9 Million Grant to Institute for School Partnership|date=2015-08-18|website=Monsanto|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-20|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820161253/https://monsanto.com/news-releases/monsanto-fund-awards-1-9-million-grant-to-institute-for-school-partnership/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/blog/biznext/2015/07/monsanto-gives-wash-u-stem-initiative-2-2-million.html|title=Monsanto - WashU Stem Initiative|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=2019-08-19}}</ref> | |||
==Awards== | |||
In 2009 Monsanto was chosen as '']'' magazine's company of the year.<ref name=ForbesPlanet>Langreth, Robert and Herper, Matthew, (January 19, 2010) ''Forbes'' magazine</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Weiner |first1=Juli |title=How Seed Giant Monsanto Went from 2009 Company of the Year to Worst Stock of 2010 |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2010/10/how-seed-giant-monsanto-went-from-2009-company-of-the-year-to-worst-stock-of-2010 |access-date=September 20, 2018 |work=The Hive |date=2010-10-07 |language=en}}</ref> In 2010 Swiss research firm Covalence rated Monsanto least ethical<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.covalence.ch/index.php/2010/01/26/covalence-ethical-ranking-2009 |title=Covalence Ethical Rankings 2009 |date=2010-01-26 |access-date=March 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317034952/http://www.covalence.ch/index.php/2010/01/26/covalence-ethical-ranking-2009 |archive-date=2010-03-17 }}</ref> of 581 multinational corporations based on their ] reputation tracking index which "aggregates thousands of positive and negative news items published by the media, companies, and stakeholders",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ethicalquote.com/index.php/about-us/ |title=About-Us |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Covalence EthicalQuote |date=January 12, 2007 |access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> without attempt to validate sources.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.covalence.ch/index.php/products/methodology? |title=Methodology |access-date=March 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420063502/http://www.covalence.ch/index.php/products/methodology/|archive-date=April 20, 2010 |quote=Covalence does not see some sources as more reliable than others. Any source is considered equally. Covalence does not validate information sources, neither the content of information.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.covalence.ch/index.php/ethical-rankings/across-sectors |title=Across Sectors |date=2010-01-26 |access-date=March 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325004450/http://www.covalence.ch/index.php/ethical-rankings/across-sectors|archive-date=March 25, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/04/08/monsanto-leads-in-genetically-modified-agriculture-trails-in-e/ |title=Monsanto leads in genetically modified agriculture, trails in ethics |last1=Cesca |first1=Bob |date=April 9, 2010 |website=Daily Finance |access-date=March 29, 2016 |quote=And where was Monsanto on the list? Dead last. 581 out of 581.}}</ref> The journal ] ranked Monsanto in its Top 20 Employers list between 2011 and 2014. In 2012, it described the company as "innovative leader in the industry", "makes changes needed" and "does important quality research".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2012_09_21/science.opms.r1200125|title=Annual Top Employers Survey: Stability in the Face of Change|work=Science Careers|date=September 21, 2012|access-date=June 15, 2015|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905230955/http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2012_09_21/science.opms.r1200125}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Unglesbee |first1=Ben |title=Monsanto makes top 10 on Science's list of best employers |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/blog/2014/10/monsanto-makes-top-10-on-science-s-list-of-best.html |access-date=September 20, 2018 |work=www.bizjournals.com |date=2014-10-14}}</ref> Monsanto executive ] won the ] for "breakthrough achievements in founding, developing, and applying modern agricultural biotechnology".<ref name="worldfoodprize.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/laureates/2010__2013_laureates/2013__van_montagu_chilton_fraley/|title=2013 – Van Montagu, Chilton, Fraley|access-date=June 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714080549/https://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/laureates/2010__2013_laureates/2013__van_montagu_chilton_fraley/|archive-date=July 14, 2015}}</ref><ref name="nytimes.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/20/business/monsanto-executive-is-among-world-food-prize-winners.html|title=Executive at Monsanto Wins Global Food Honor|date=June 20, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|last1=Pollack|first1=Andrew}}</ref> | |||
==Documentaries== | |||
* ] | |||
* '']'' | |||
* '']'' | |||
* '']'' | |||
* '']''<ref>{{YouTube|zfOSFaaLx_o|The World According to Monsanto}}</ref> | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
{{Portal|Companies|Agriculture and |
{{Portal|Companies|Agriculture and agronomy}} | ||
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==References |
==References== | ||
{{Reflist|30em}} | {{Reflist|30em}} | ||
;Notes | |||
{{Refbegin}} | |||
* ''Time''. 18 May 1936. | |||
* ''Times Online'' (Times Newspapers). 16 October 2003. | |||
{{Refend}} | |||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
*{{cite book |title=Zion in the Valley, 1807-1907: Volume I, The Jewish Community of St. Louis|last=Ehrlich|first=Walter |year=1997|publisher=University of Missouri Press|isbn=0-8262-1098-8}} | |||
* | |||
* Forrestal, Dan J. (1977). ''Faith, Hope & $5000: The Story of Monsanto'', Simon & Schuster, {{ISBN|0-671-22784-X}}. | |||
* | |||
* Pechlaner, Gabriela, ''Corporate Crops: Biotechnology, Agriculture, and the Struggle for Control'', University of Texas Press, 2012, {{ISBN|0292739451}} | |||
* {{Dead link|date=March 2012}} | |||
* ], ''The World According to Monsanto: Pollution, Corruption, and the Control of the World's Food Supply'', New Press, 2009, {{ISBN|1595584269}} | |||
* {{Dead link|date=March 2012}} | |||
* Spears, Ellen Griffith, ''Baptized in PCBs: Race, Pollution, and Justice in an All-American Town'', The University of North Carolina Press, 2014, {{ISBN|1469611716}}. | |||
* {{Dead link|date=March 2012}} | |||
* ], ''Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking of the Global Food Supply'', ], 2000, {{ISBN|0896086070}}. | |||
* | |||
* {{Dead link|date=March 2012}} | |||
== External links == | |||
* | |||
* {{Commons category inline|Monsanto Company}} | |||
* Jeffrey M Smith: ''Seeds of Deception.'' ], 2003. (Book ISBN 0-9729665-8-7). | |||
* Marie-Monique Robin: ''Le Monde selon Monsanto – De la dioxine aux OGM, une multinationale qui vous veut du bien.'' Coédition ] / ], 2008. (Book ISBN 2-7071-4918-7 or 978-270714918 and DVD-ASIN: B001684BP0 ). English: "''The World According to Monsanto''" | |||
* : "''''" Image & Compagnie – ARTE France – Productions Thalie – National Film Board of Canada – WDR 2008 | |||
==External links== | |||
{{Commons category-inline|Monsanto Company}} | |||
* | |||
* {{dmoz|/Society/Issues/Business/Allegedly_Unethical_Firms/Monsanto}} | |||
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;News articles | |||
* hosted by the | |||
* | |||
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* from '']'' | |||
{{Monsanto}} | {{Monsanto}} | ||
{{Genetic engineering}} | {{Genetic engineering}} | ||
{{US seed companies}} | |||
{{Authority control}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 01:57, 11 November 2024
American agribusiness corporation (1901–2018) For other uses, see Monsanto (disambiguation).
Company type | Public |
---|---|
Traded as | NYSE: MON |
Industry | Agribusiness |
Founded | September 26, 1901; 123 years ago (1901-09-26) Reformed in 2000 (spun off from Pharmacia & Upjohn) |
Founder | John Francis Queeny |
Defunct | June 7, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-06-07) |
Fate | Acquired by Bayer |
Headquarters | Creve Coeur, Missouri, U.S. |
Key people |
|
Products | |
Parent | Pharmacia & Upjohn (1999–2000) |
Footnotes / references |
The Monsanto Company (/mɒnˈsæntoʊ/) was an American agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation founded in 1901 and headquartered in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Monsanto's best-known product is Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide, developed in the 1970s. Later, the company became a major producer of genetically engineered crops. In 2018, the company ranked 199th on the Fortune 500 of the largest United States corporations by revenue.
Monsanto was one of four groups to introduce genes into plants in 1983, and was among the first to conduct field trials of genetically modified crops in 1987. It was one of the top-ten U.S. chemical companies until it divested most of its chemical businesses between 1997 and 2002, through a process of mergers and spin-offs that focused the company on biotechnology.
Monsanto was one of the first companies to apply the biotechnology industry business model to agriculture, using techniques developed by biotech drug companies. In this business model, companies recoup R&D expenses by exploiting biological patents.
Monsanto's roles in agricultural changes, biotechnology products, lobbying of government agencies, and roots as a chemical company have resulted in controversies. The company once manufactured controversial products such as the insecticide DDT, PCBs, Agent Orange, and recombinant bovine growth hormone.
In September 2016, German chemical company Bayer announced its intent to acquire Monsanto for US$66 billion in an all-cash deal. After gaining U.S. and EU regulatory approval, the sale was completed on June 7, 2018. The name Monsanto was no longer used, but Monsanto's previous product brand names were maintained. In June 2020, Bayer agreed to pay numerous settlements in lawsuits involving ex-Monsanto products Roundup, PCBs and Dicamba. Owing to the massive financial and reputational blows caused by ongoing litigation concerning Monsanto's herbicide Roundup, the Bayer-Monsanto merger is considered one of the worst corporate mergers in history.
History
Further information: Timeline of Monsanto"Pre-Pharmacia" Monsanto
1901 to WWII
In 1901, Monsanto was founded in St. Louis, Missouri, as a chemical company. The founder was John Francis Queeny, who, at age 42, was a 30‑year veteran of the nascent pharmaceutical industry. He funded the firm with his own money and capital from a soft drink distributor. He used for the company name the maiden name of his wife, Olga Méndez Monsanto, who was a scioness of the Monsanto family.
The company's first products were commodity food additives, such as the artificial sweetener saccharin, caffeine and vanillin.
Monsanto expanded to Europe in 1919 in a partnership with Graesser's Chemical Works at Cefn Mawr, Wales. The venture produced vanillin, aspirin and its raw ingredient salicylic acid, and later rubber processing chemicals.
In the 1920s, Monsanto expanded into basic industrial chemicals such as sulfuric acid and PCBs. Queeny's son Edgar Monsanto Queeny took over the company in 1928.
In 1926 the company founded and incorporated a town called Monsanto in Illinois (now known as Sauget). It was formed to provide minimal regulation and low taxes for Monsanto plants at a time when local jurisdictions had most of the responsibility for environmental rules. It was renamed in honor of Leo Sauget, its first village president.
In 1935, Monsanto bought the Swann Chemical Company in Anniston, Alabama, and thereby entered the business of producing PCBs.
In 1936, Monsanto acquired Thomas & Hochwalt Laboratories in Dayton, Ohio, to acquire the expertise of Charles Allen Thomas and Carroll A. Hochwalt. The acquisition became Monsanto's Central Research Department. Thomas spent the rest of his career at Monsanto, serving as President (1951–1960) and Board Chair (1960–1965). He retired in 1970. In 1943, Thomas was called to a meeting in Washington, D.C., with Leslie Groves, commander of the Manhattan Project, and James Conant, president of Harvard University and chairman of the National Defense Research Committee (NDRC). They urged Thomas to become co-director of the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos with Robert Oppenheimer, but Thomas was reluctant to leave Dayton and Monsanto. He joined the NDRC, and Monsanto's Central Research Department began to conduct related research. To that end, Monsanto operated the Dayton Project, and later Mound Laboratories, and assisted in the development of the first nuclear weapons.
Post-WWII
In 1946, Monsanto developed and marketed "All" laundry detergent, which it sold to Lever Brothers in 1957. In 1947, its styrene factory was destroyed in the Texas City Disaster. In 1949, Monsanto acquired American Viscose Corporation from Courtaulds. In 1954, Monsanto partnered with German chemical giant Bayer to form Mobay and market polyurethanes in the United States.
Monsanto began manufacturing DDT in 1944, along with some 15 other companies. This insecticide was used to kill malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, but it was banned in the United States in 1972 due to its harmful environmental impacts.
In 1977, Monsanto stopped producing PCBs; Congress banned PCB production two years later.
1960s and 1970s
In the mid‑1960s, William Standish Knowles and his team invented a way to selectively synthesize enantiomers via asymmetric hydrogenation. This was the first method for the catalytic production of pure chiral compounds. Knowles' team designed the "first industrial process to chirally synthesize an important compound"—L‑dopa, which is used to treat Parkinson's disease. In 2001, Knowles and Ryōji Noyori won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In the mid-1960s, chemists at Monsanto developed the Monsanto process for making acetic acid, which until 2000 was the most widely used production method. In 1964, Monsanto chemists invented AstroTurf (initially ChemGrass).
In the 1960s and 1970s, Monsanto was a producer of Agent Orange for United States Armed Forces operations in Vietnam, and settled out of court in a lawsuit brought by veterans in 1984. In 1968, it became the first company to start mass production of (visible) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), using gallium arsenide phosphide. From 1968 to 1970, sales doubled every few months. Their products (discrete LEDs and seven-segment numeric displays) became industry standards. The primary markets then were electronic calculators, digital watches and digital clocks. Monsanto became a pioneer of optoelectronics in the 1970s.
Between 1968 and 1974, the company sponsored the PGA Tour event in Pensacola, Florida, which was renamed the Monsanto Open.
In 1974, Harvard University and Monsanto signed a 10-year research grant to support the cancer research of Judah Folkman, which became the largest such arrangement ever made; medical inventions arising from that research were the first for which Harvard allowed its faculty to submit patent application.
1980 to 1989: Becoming an agribiotech company
Monsanto scientists were among the first to genetically modify a plant cell, publishing their results in 1983. Five years later the company conducted the first field tests of genetically modified crops. Increasing involvement in agricultural biotechnology dates from the installment of Richard Mahoney as Monsanto's CEO in 1983. This involvement increased under the leadership of Robert Shapiro, appointed CEO in 1995, leading ultimately to the disposition of product lines unrelated to agriculture.
In 1985, Monsanto acquired G.D. Searle & Company, a life sciences company that focused on pharmaceuticals, agriculture and animal health. In 1993, its Searle division filed a patent application for Celebrex, which in 1998 became the first selective COX‑2 inhibitor to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Celebrex became a blockbuster drug and was often mentioned as a key reason for Pfizer's acquisition of Monsanto's pharmaceutical business in 2002.
1990 to 1999: Moving into the seed market & industry consolidation
In 1994, Monsanto introduced a recombinant version of bovine somatotropin, brand-named Posilac. Monsanto later sold this business to Eli Lilly and Company.
In 1996, Monsanto purchased Agracetus, the biotechnology company that had generated the first transgenic cotton, soybeans, peanuts and other crops, and from which Monsanto had been licensing technology since 1991.
In 1997, Monsanto divested Solutia, a company created to carry off the responsibility for Monsanto's PCB business and associated liabilities, along with some related organic chemical production.
Monsanto first entered the maize seed business when it purchased 40% of Dekalb in 1996; it purchased the remainder of the corporation in 1998. In 1997, the company first published an annual report citing Monsanto's Law, a biotechnological take on Moore's Law, indicating its future directions and exponential growth in the use of biotechnology. In the same year, Californian GMO company Calgene was acquired. In 1998, Monsanto purchased Cargill's international seed business, which gave it access to sales and distribution facilities in 51 countries. In 2005, it finalized the purchase of Seminis Inc, a leading global vegetable and fruit seed company, for $1.4 billion. This made it the world's largest conventional seed company.
In 1999, Monsanto sold off NutraSweet Co. In December of the same year, Monsanto agreed to merge with Pharmacia & Upjohn, in a deal valuing the transaction at $27 billion. The agricultural division became a wholly owned subsidiary of the "new" Pharmacia; Monsanto's medical research division, which included products such as Celebrex.
"Pre-Pharmacia" Monsanto overview
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"Post-Pharmacia" Monsanto
2000 to 2009: Birth of the "new" Monsanto
In 2000, Pharmacia spun off its agro-biotech subsidiary into a new company, the "new Monsanto", focused on four key agricultural crops—soybeans, maize, wheat and cotton. Monsanto agreed to indemnify Pharmacia against potential liabilities from judgments against Solutia. As a result, the new Monsanto continued to be a party to numerous lawsuits over the prior Monsanto. Pharmacia was bought by Pfizer in 2003.
In 2005, Monsanto acquired Emergent Genetics and its Stoneville and NexGen cotton brands. Emergent was the third-largest U.S. cotton seed company, with about 12% of the U.S. market. Monsanto's goal was to obtain "a strategic cotton germplasm and traits platform".
Also in 2005, Monsanto purchased Seminis, the California-based world leader in vegetable seed production, for $1.4 billion. Seminis developed new vegetable varieties using advanced cross-pollination methods. Monsanto indicated that Seminis would continue with non-GM development, while not ruling out GM in the longer term.
In June 2007, Monsanto purchased Delta and Pine Land Company, a major cotton seed breeder, for $1.5 billion. As a condition for approval from the Department of Justice, Monsanto was obligated to divest its Stoneville cotton business, which it sold to Bayer, and to divest its NexGen cotton business, which it sold to Americot. Monsanto also exited the pig-breeding business by selling Monsanto Choice Genetics to Newsham Genetics LC in November, divesting itself of "any and all swine-related patents, patent applications, and all other intellectual property". In 2007, Monsanto and BASF announced a long-term agreement to cooperate in the research, development, and marketing of new plant biotechnology products.
In 2008, Monsanto purchased Dutch seed company De Ruiter Seeds for €546 million, and sold its POSILAC bovine somatotropin brand and related business to Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly & Co, in August for $300 million plus "additional contingent consideration".
2010 to 2017: Further growth, Syngenta
In 2012, Monsanto purchased for $210 million Precision Planting Inc., a company that produced computer hardware and software designed to enable farmers to increase yield and productivity through more precise planting.
Monsanto purchased San Francisco-based Climate Corp for $930 million in 2013. Climate Corp makes local weather forecasts for farmers based on data modelling and historical data; if the forecasts were wrong, the farmer was compensated.
In May 2013, a worldwide protest against Monsanto corporation, called March Against Monsanto, was held in over 400 cities. A second protest took place in May 2014.
Monsanto tried to acquire Swiss agro-biotechnology rival Syngenta for US$46.5 billion in 2015, but failed. In that year Monsanto was the world's biggest supplier of seeds, controlling 26% of the global seed market (Du Pont was second with 21%). Monsanto was the only manufacturer of white phosphorus for military use in the US.
"Post-Pharmacia" Monsanto overview
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Sale to Bayer
In September 2016, Monsanto agreed to be acquired by Bayer for US$66 billion. In an effort to receive regulatory clearance for the deal, Bayer announced the sale of significant portions of its current agriculture businesses, including its seed and herbicide businesses, to BASF.
The deal was approved by the European Union on March 21, 2018, and approved in the United States on May 29, 2018. The sale closed on June 7, 2018; Bayer announced its intent to discontinue the Monsanto name, with the combined company operating solely under the Bayer brand.
Under the terms of merger, Bayer promised to maintain Monsanto's more than 9,000 U.S. jobs and add 3,000 new U.S. high-tech positions.
The prospective merger parties said at the time the combined agriculture business planned to spend $16 billion on research and development over the next six years and at least $8 billion on research and development in United States.
Bayer would also establish its new global Seeds & Traits and North American commercial headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Bayer-Monsanto merger is widely considered to be one of the worst mergers in history, mostly due to the exposure to Roundup litigation. By 2023, Bayer's market value had declined by over 60% since its 2016 merger, leaving the company's overall worth at less than half of what it paid to acquire Monsanto.
Products and associated issues
Current products
Glyphosate herbicides
See also: GlyphosateFollowing its 1970 introduction, Monsanto's last commercially relevant United States patent on the herbicide glyphosate (brand name RoundUp) expired in 2000. Glyphosate has since been marketed by many agrochemical companies, in various solution strengths and with various adjuvants, under dozens of tradenames. As of 2009, glyphosate represented about 10% of Monsanto's revenue. Roundup-related products (which include genetically modified seeds) represented about half of Monsanto's gross margin.
Crop seed
See also: Hybrid seed, Genetically modified crops, Genetically modified food, and Genetically modified food controversiesAs of 2015, Monsanto's line of seed products included corn, cotton, soy and vegetable seeds.
Row crops
Many of Monsanto's agricultural seed products are genetically modified, such as for resistance to herbicides, including glyphosate and dicamba. Monsanto calls glyphosate-tolerant seeds Roundup Ready. Monsanto's introduction of this system (planting a glyphosate-resistant seed and then applying glyphosate once plants emerged) allowed farmers to increase yield by planting rows closer together. Without it, farmers had to plant rows far enough apart to allow the control of post-emergent weeds with mechanical tillage. Farmers widely adopted the technology—for example over 80% of maize (Mon 832), soybean (MON-Ø4Ø32-6), cotton, sugar beet and canola planted in the United States are glyphosate-tolerant. Monsanto developed a Roundup Ready genetically modified wheat (MON 71800) but ended development in 2004 due to concerns from wheat exporters about the rejection of genetically modified (GM) wheat by foreign markets.
Two patents were critical to Monsanto's GM soybean business; one expired in 2011 and the other in 2014. The second expiration meant that glyphosate resistant soybeans became "generic". The first harvest of generic glyphosate-tolerant soybeans came in 2015. Monsanto broadly licensed the patent to other seed companies that include glyphosate resistance trait in their seed products. About 150 companies have licensed the technology, including competitors Syngenta and DuPont Pioneer.
Monsanto invented and sells genetically modified seeds that make a crystalline insecticidal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis, known as Bt. In 1995 Monsanto's potato plants producing Bt toxin were approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, following approval by the FDA, making it the first pesticide-producing crop to be approved in the United States. Monsanto subsequently developed Bt maize (MON 802, MON 809, MON 863, MON 810), Bt soybean and Bt cotton.
Monsanto produces seed that has multiple genetic modifications, also known as "stacked traits"—for instance, cotton that make one or more Bt proteins and is resistant to glyphosate. One of these, created in collaboration with Dow Chemical Company, is called SmartStax. In 2011 Monsanto launched the Genuity brand for its stacked-trait products.
As of 2012, the agricultural seed lineup included Roundup Ready alfalfa, canola and sugarbeet; Bt and/or Roundup Ready cotton; sorghum hybrids; soybeans with various oil profiles, most with the Roundup Ready trait; and a wide range of wheat products, many of which incorporate the nontransgenic "clearfield" imazamox-tolerant trait from BASF.
In 2013 Monsanto launched the first transgenic drought tolerance trait in a line of corn hybrids branded DroughtGard. The MON 87460 trait is provided by the insertion of the cspB gene from the soil microbe Bacillus subtilis; it was approved by the USDA in 2011 and by China in 2013.
The "Xtend Crop System" includes seed genetically modified to be resistant to both glyphosate and dicamba, and a herbicide product including those two active ingredients. In December 2014, the system was approved for use in the US. In February 2016, China approved the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend system. The lack of European Union approval led many American traders to reject the use of Xtend soybeans over concerns that the new seeds would become mixed with EU-approved seeds, leading Europe to reject American soybean exports.
India-specific issues
In 2009, Monsanto scientists discovered insects that had developed resistance to the Bt Cotton planted in Gujarat. Monsanto communicated this to the Indian government and its customers, stating that "Resistance is natural and expected, so measures to delay resistance are important. Among the factors that may have contributed to pink bollworm resistance to the Cry1Ac protein in Bollgard I in Gujarat are limited refuge planting and early use of unapproved Bt cotton seed, planted prior to GEAC approval of Bollgard I cotton, which may have had lower protein expression levels." The company advised farmers to switch to its second generation of Bt cotton – Bolgard II – which had two resistance genes instead of one, the widely recognised best practice to forestall, prevent, and cope with any kind of pesticide resistance. However, this advice was criticized: "an internal analysis of the statement of the Ministry of Environment and Forests says it 'appears that this could be a business strategy to phase out single gene events and promote double genes which would fetch higher price.'"
Monsanto's GM cotton seed was the subject of NGO agitation because of its higher cost. Indian farmers crossed GM varieties with local varieties, using plant breeding, violating their agreements with Monsanto. In 2009, high prices of Bt Cotton were blamed for forcing farmers of Jhabua district into debt when the crops died due to lack of rain.
Vegetables
In 2012 Monsanto was the world's largest supplier of non-GE vegetable seeds by value, with sales of $800M. 95% of the research and development for vegetable seed is in conventional breeding. The company concentrates on improving flavor. According to their website they sell "4,000 distinct seed varieties representing more than 20 species". Broccoli, with the brand name Beneforté, with increased amounts of glucoraphanin was introduced in 2010 following development by its Seminis subsidiary.
Former products
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Until it ended production in 1977, Monsanto was the source of 99% of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) used by U.S. industry. They were sold under brand names including Aroclor and Santotherm; the name Santotherm is still used for non-chlorinated products. PCBs are a persistent organic pollutant, and cause cancer in both animals and humans, among other health effects. PCBs were initially welcomed due to the electrical industry's need for durable, safer (than flammable mineral oil) cooling and insulating fluid for industrial transformers and capacitors. PCBs were also commonly used as stabilizing additives in the manufacture of flexible PVC coatings for electrical wiring and in electronic components to enhance PVC heat and fire resistance. As transformer leaks occurred and toxicity problems arose near factories, their durability and toxicity became recognized as serious problems. PCB production was banned by the U.S. Congress in 1979 and by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2001.
Agent Orange
Main article: Agent OrangeMonsanto, Dow Chemical, and eight other chemical companies made Agent Orange for the U.S. Department of Defense. It was given its name from the color of the orange-striped barrels in which it was shipped, and was by far the most widely used of the so-called "Rainbow Herbicides".
Bovine somatotropin
Main article: Bovine somatotropinMonsanto developed and sold recombinant bovine somatotropin (also known as rBST and rBGH), a synthetic hormone that increases milk production by 11–16% when injected into cows. In October 2008, Monsanto sold this business to Eli Lilly for $300 million plus additional considerations.
The use of rBST remains controversial with respect to its effects on cows and their milk.
In some markets, milk from cows that are not treated with rBST is sold with labels indicating that it is rBST-free: this milk has proved popular with consumers. In reaction to this, in early 2008 a pro-rBST advocacy group called "American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology" (AFACT), made up of dairies and originally affiliated with Monsanto, formed and began lobbying to ban such labels. AFACT stated that "absence" labels can be misleading and imply that milk from cows treated with rBST is inferior.
Uncommercialized products
Monsanto also developed notable technologies that were not ultimately commercialized.
"Terminator" seeds
Main article: Genetic use restriction technologyGenetic use restriction technology, colloquially known as "terminator technology", produces plants with sterile seeds. This trait would prevent the spread of those seeds into the wild. It also would prevent farmers from planting seeds they harvest, requiring them to purchase seed for every planting, allowing the company to enforce its licensing terms via technology. Farmers have been buying hybrid seeds for generations, instead of replanting their harvest, because second-generation hybrid seeds are inferior. Nevertheless, most seed companies contract only with farmers who agree not to plant harvested seeds.
Terminator technology has been developed by governmental labs, university researchers and companies. The technology has not been used commercially. Rumors that Monsanto and other companies intended to introduce terminator technology caused protests, for example in India.
In 1999, Monsanto pledged not to commercialize terminator technology. The Delta & Pine Land Company of Mississippi intended to commercialize the technology, but D&PL was acquired by Monsanto in 2007.
Monsanto "Terminator seeds" were never commercialized nor used in any farmer's field anywhere in the world. The patent expired in 2015.
GM wheat
Main article: Genetically modified wheatMonsanto developed several strains of genetically modified wheat, including glyphosate-resistant strains, in the 1990s. Field tests were done in the United States between 1998 and 2005. As of 2017, no genetically modified wheat had been released for commercial use.
Legal affairs
Main article: Monsanto legal casesMonsanto engaged in high-profile lawsuits, as both plaintiff and defendant. It defended lawsuits mostly over its products' health and environmental effects. Monsanto used the courts to enforce its patents, particularly in agricultural biotechnology, an approach similar to that of other companies in the field, such as Dupont Pioneer and Syngenta. Monsanto also became one of the most controversial large corporations in the world, over a range of issues involving its industrial and agricultural chemical products, and GM seed. In April 2018, just prior to Bayer's acquisition, Bayer indicated that improving Monsanto's reputation represented a major challenge. That June, Bayer announced it would drop the Monsanto name as part of a campaign to regain consumer trust.
Argentina
Argentina approved Roundup Ready soy in 1996. Between 1996 and 2008 soy production grew from 14 million acres to 42 million acres. The growth was driven by Argentine investors' interest in export markets. The consolidation led to a decrease in production of many staples such as milk, rice, maize, potatoes and lentils. As of 2004, about 150,000 small farmers had left the countryside; as of 2009, 50% in the Chaco region.
The Guardian reported that a Monsanto representative had said, "any problems with GM soya were to do with use of the crop as a monoculture, not because it was GM. If you grow any crop to the exclusion of any other you are bound to get problems."
In 2005 and 2006, Monsanto attempted to enforce its patents on soymeal originating in Argentina and shipped to Spain by having Spanish customs officials seize the soymeal shipments. The seizures were part of a larger attempt by Monsanto to put pressure on the Argentinian government to enforce Monsanto's seed patents.
In 2013 environmentalist groups objected to a Monsanto corn seed conditioning facility in Malvinas Argentinas, Córdoba. Neighbours objected to the risk of environmental impact. Court rulings supported the project, but environmentalist groups organised demonstrations and opened an online petition for the subject to be decided in a popular referendum. The court rulings stipulated that while construction could continue, the facility could not begin operating until the environmental impact report required by law had been duly presented.
In 2016 Monsanto reached an agreement with Argentina's government on soybean seed royalty payments. Monsanto agreed to give the Argentine Seed Institute (Inase) oversight over crops grown from Monsanto's Intacta genetically modified soybean seeds. Before the agreement, Argentine farmers generally avoided royalties by using seeds from previous harvests or purchased from non-registered suppliers. Inase agreed to delegate testing to grain exchanges. About 6 million sample tests were to be conducted annually. Seeds that appear to be GMOs may be tested again using a polymerase chain reaction test.
Brazil
Brazil is the second largest producer of GMO soy. In 2003 GM soy was found in fields planted in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. This was a controversial decision, and in response, the Landless Workers' Movement protested by invading and occupying several Monsanto farm plots used for research, training and seed-processing. In 2005 Brazil passed a law creating a regulatory pathway for GM crops.
China
Monsanto was criticized by Chinese economist Larry Lang for controlling the Chinese soybean market, and for trying to do the same to Chinese corn and cotton.
India
Main article: Farmers' suicides in IndiaIn the late 1990s and early 2000s, public attention was drawn to suicides by indebted farmers following crop failures. For example, in the early 2000s, farmers in Andhra Pradesh (AP) were in economic crisis due to high-interest rates and crop failures, leading to widespread unrest and farmer suicides. Monsanto was one focus of protests with respect to the price and yields of Bt seed. In 2005, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, the Indian regulatory authority, released a study on field tests of certain Bt cotton strains in AP and ruled that Monsanto could not market those strains in AP because of poor yields. At about the same time, the state agriculture minister barred the company from selling Bt cotton seed, because Monsanto refused a request by the state government to provide pay about Rs 4.5 crore (about one million US$) to indebted farmers in some districts, and because the government blamed Monsanto's seeds for crop failures. The order was later lifted.
In 2006, AP tried to convince Monsanto to reduce the price of Bt seeds. Unsatisfied, the state filed several cases against Monsanto and its Mumbai-based licensee, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds. Research by International Food Policy Research Institute found no evidence supporting an increased suicide rate following the introduction of Bt cotton and that Bt cotton. The report stated that farmer suicides predated commercial introduction in 2002 (and unofficial introduction in 2001) and that such suicides had made up a fairly constant portion of the overall national suicide rate since 1997. The report concluded that while Bt cotton may have been a factor in specific suicides, the contribution was likely marginal compared to socio-economic factors. As of 2009, Bt cotton was planted in 87% of Indian cotton-growing land.
Critics including Vandana Shiva said that the crop failures could "often be traced to" Monsanto's Bt cotton, that the seeds increased farmer indebtedness and argued that Monsanto misrepresented the profitability of their Bt Cotton, causing losses leading to debt. In 2009, Shiva wrote that Indian farmers who had previously spent as little as ₹7 (rupees) per kilogram were now paying up to ₹17,000 per kilo per year for Bt cotton. In 2012 the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) stated that for the first time farmer suicides could be linked to a decline in the performance of Bt cotton, and advised, "cotton farmers are in a deep crisis since shifting to Bt cotton. The spate of farmer suicides in 2011–12 has been particularly severe among Bt cotton farmers."
In 2004, in response to an order from the Bombay High Court the Tata Institute produced a report on farmer suicides in Maharashtra in 2005. The survey cited "government apathy, the absence of a safety net for farmers, and lack of access to information related to agriculture as the chief causes for the desperate condition of farmers in the state."
Various studies identified the important factors as insufficient or risky credit systems, the difficulty of farming semi-arid regions, poor agricultural income, absence of alternative income opportunities, a downturn in the urban economy which forced non-farmers into farming and the absence of suitable counseling services. ICAR and CCRI stated that the cost of cotton cultivation had jumped as a consequence of rising pesticide costs, while total Bt cotton production in the five years from 2007 to 2012 had declined.
United Kingdom
Main article: Brofiscin QuarryBrofiscin Quarry was used as a waste site from about 1965 to 1972 and accepted waste from BP, Veolia and Monsanto. A 2005 report by Environment Agency Wales (EAW) found that the quarry contained up to 75 toxic substances, including heavy metals, Agent Orange and PCBs.
In February 2011, Monsanto agreed to help with the costs of remediation, but did not accept responsibility for the pollution. In 2011, EAW and the Rhondda Cynon Taf council announced that they had decided to place an engineered cap over the waste mass, and stated that the cost would be £1.5 million; previous estimates had been as high as £100 million.
United States
PCBs
In the late 1960s, the Monsanto plant in Sauget, Illinois, was the nation's largest producer of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compounds, which remained in the water along Dead Creek there. An EPA official referred to Sauget as "one of the most polluted communities in the region" and "a soup of different chemicals".
In Anniston, Alabama, plaintiffs in a 2002 lawsuit provided documentation showing that the local Monsanto factory knowingly discharged both mercury and PCB-laden waste into local creeks for over 40 years. In 1969 Monsanto dumped 45 tons of PCBs into Snow Creek, a feeder for Choccolocco Creek, which supplies much of the area's drinking water, and buried millions of pounds of PCB in open-pit landfills located on hillsides above the plant and surrounding neighborhoods. In August 2003, Solutia and Monsanto agreed to pay plaintiffs $700 million to settle claims by over 20,000 Anniston residents.
In June 2020, Bayer proposed paying $650 million to settle local PCB lawsuits, and $170 million to the attorneys-general of New Mexico, Washington and the District of Columbia. Monsanto was acknowledged at the time of the settlement to have ceased making PCBs in 1977, though State Impact of Pennsylvania reported that this did not stop PCBs from contaminating people many years later. State Impact of Pennsylvania stated "In 1979, the EPA banned the use of PCBs, but they still exist in some products produced before 1979. They persist in the environment because they bind to sediments and soils. High exposure to PCBs can cause birth defects, developmental delays, and liver changes." On November 25, 2020, however U.S. District Judge Fernando M. Olguin rejected the proposed $650 million settlement from Bayer and allowed Monsanto-related lawsuits involving PCB to proceed.
Polluted sites
As of November 2013, Monsanto was associated with nine "active" Superfund sites and 32 "archived" sites in the US, in the EPA's Superfund database. Monsanto was sued and settled multiple times for damaging the health of its employees or residents near its Superfund sites through pollution and poisoning.
GM wheat
In 2013 a Monsanto-developed transgenic cultivar of glyphosate-resistant wheat was discovered on a farm in Oregon, growing as a weed or "volunteer plant". The final Oregon field test had occurred in 2001. As of May 2013, the GMO seed source was unknown. Volunteer wheat from a former test field two miles away was tested and was not found to be glyphosate-tolerant. Monsanto faced penalties up to $1 million over potential violations of the Plant Protection Act. The discovery threatened world-leading US wheat exports, which totaled $8.1 billion in 2012. This wheat variety was rarely exported to Europe and was more likely destined for Asia. Monsanto said it had destroyed all the material it held after completing trials in 2004 and it was "mystified" by its appearance. On June 14, 2013, the USDA announced: "As of today, USDA has neither found nor been informed of anything that would indicate that this incident amounts to more than a single isolated incident in a single field on a single farm. All information collected so far shows no indication of the presence of GE wheat in commerce." As of August 30, 2013, while the source of the GM wheat remained unknown, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan had all resumed placing orders.
Cancer risks of Roundup
Monsanto has faced controversy in the United States over claims that its herbicide products might be carcinogens. There is limited evidence that human cancer risk might increase as a result of occupational exposure to large amounts of glyphosate, as in agricultural work, but no good evidence of such a risk from home use, such as in domestic gardening. The consensus among national pesticide regulatory agencies and scientific organizations is that labeled uses of glyphosate have demonstrated no evidence of human carcinogenicity. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization, European Commission, Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency, and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment have concluded that there is no evidence that glyphosate poses a carcinogenic or genotoxic risk to humans. However, one international scientific organization, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), affiliated with the WHO, has made claims of carcinogenicity in research reviews; in 2015 the IARC declared glyphosate "probably carcinogenic".
As of October 30, 2019, there were 42,700 plaintiffs who said that glyphosate herbicides caused their cancer after the IARC report in 2015 linking glyphosate to cancer in humans. Monsanto denies that Roundup is carcinogenic.
In March 2017, 40 plaintiffs filed a lawsuit at the Alameda County Superior Court, a branch of the California Superior Court, asking for damages caused by the company's glyphosate-based weed-killers, including Roundup, and demanding a jury trial. On August 10, 2018, Monsanto lost the first decided case. Dewayne Johnson, who has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, was initially awarded $289 million in damages after a jury in San Francisco said that Monsanto had failed to adequately warn consumers of cancer risks posed by the herbicide. Pending appeal, the award was later reduced to $78.5 million. In November 2018, Monsanto appealed the judgement, asking an appellate court to consider a motion for a new trial. A verdict on the appeal was delivered in June 2020 upholding the verdict but further reducing the award to $21.5 million.
On March 27, 2019, Monsanto was found liable in a federal court for Edwin Hardeman's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and ordered to pay $80 million in damages. A spokesperson for Bayer, by this time the parent company of Monsanto, said the company would appeal the verdict.
On May 13, 2019, a jury in California ordered Bayer to pay $2 billion in damages after finding that the company had failed to adequately inform consumers of the possible carcinogenicity of Roundup. On July 26, 2019, an Alameda County judge cut the settlement to $86.7 million, stating that the judgement by the jury exceeded legal precedent.
In June 2020, Monsanto acquisitor Bayer agreed to settle over a hundred thousand Roundup cancer lawsuits, agreeing to pay $8.8 to $9.6 billion to settle those claims, and $1.5 billion for any future claims. The settlement does not include three cases that have already gone to jury trials and are being appealed.
Dicamba lawsuits
Following a lawsuit by a peach farmer alleging that Dicamba used as a weed killer drifted in the wind from adjacent crops to destroy his peach orchards, a Missouri trial jury found in February 2020 that Monsanto and codefendant BASF were negligent in design of Dicamba and failed to warn farmers about the product, awarding $15 million for losses and $250 million in punitive damages. On February 14, 2020, the jury involved in a Missouri lawsuit involving tree damage caused by dicamba drift ruled against Bayer and its co-defendant BASF and found in favor of Bader Farms owner Bill Bader. In June 2020, Bayer agreed to a settlement of up to $400 million for all 2015–2020 crop year dicamba claims, not including the $250 million judgement which was issued to Bader. On November 25, 2020, U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr. reduced the punitive damage amount in the Bader Farms case to $60 million.
Improper accounting for incentive rebates
From 2009 to 2011, Monsanto improperly accounted for incentive rebates. The actions inflated Monsanto's reported profit by $31 million over the two years. Monsanto paid $80 million in penalties pursuant to a subsequent settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Monsanto materially misstated its consolidated earnings in response to losing market share of Roundup to generic producers. Monsanto overhauled its internal controls. Two of their top CPAs were suspended and Monsanto was required to hire, at their expense, an independent ethics/compliance consultant for two years.
Alleged ghostwriting
A review of glyphosate's carcinogenic potential by four independent expert panels, with a comparison to the IARC assessment, was published in September 2016. Using emails released in August 2017 by plaintiffs' lawyers who are suing Monsanto, Bloomberg Business Week reported that "Monsanto scientists were heavily involved in organizing, reviewing, and editing drafts submitted by the outside experts." A Monsanto spokesperson responded that Monsanto had provided only non-substantive cosmetic copyediting.
In 2017, The New York Times reported that a 2015 article attributed to researcher and columnist Henry I. Miller had been drafted by Monsanto. According to the report, Monsanto asked Miller to write an article rebutting the findings of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and he indicated willingness to do it if he "could start from a high-quality draft". Forbes later removed Miller's blog from Forbes.com and ended their relationship.
Government relations
United States
Monsanto regularly lobbied the US government with expenses reaching $8.8 million in 2008 and $6.3 million in 2011. $2 million was spent on matters concerning "Foreign Agriculture Biotechnology Laws, Regulations, and Trade". Some US diplomats in Europe at other times worked directly for Monsanto.
California's 2012 Proposition 37 would have mandated the disclosure of genetically modified crops used in the production of California food products. Monsanto spent $8.1 million opposing passage, making it the largest contributor against the initiative. The proposition was rejected by a 53.7% majority. Labeling is not required in the US.
In 2009 Michael R. Taylor, food safety expert and former Monsanto VP for Public Policy, became a senior advisor to the FDA Commissioner.
Monsanto is a member of the Washington D.C based Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the world's largest biotechnology trade association, which provides "advocacy, business development, and communications services." Between 2010 and 2011 BIO spent a total of $16.43 million on lobbying.
The Monsanto Company Citizenship Fund aka Monsanto Citizenship Fund is a political action committee that donated over $10 million to various candidates from 2003 to 2013.
As of October 2013, Monsanto and DuPont Co. continued backing an anti-labeling campaign, spending roughly $18 million. The state of Washington, along with 26 other states, made proposals in November to require GMO labeling.
Revolving door
In the US regulatory environment, many individuals move back and forth between positions in the public and private sectors, including at Monsanto. Critics argued that the connections between the company and the government allowed Monsanto to obtain favorable regulations at the expense of consumer safety. Supporters of the practice point to the benefits of competent and experienced individuals in both sectors and to the importance of appropriately managing potential conflicts of interest. The list of such people includes:
- Linda J. Fisher—EPA assistant administrator, then Monsanto VP from 1995 to 2000. then EPA deputy administrator.
- Michael A. Friedman, MD—FDA deputy commissioner.
- Earle H. Harbison Jr., Central Intelligence Agency Deputy Director, then President, Chief Operating Officer, and Director, from 1986 to 1993.
- Robert Holifield—chief of staff of Senate Agriculture Committee, then partner in Lincoln Policy Group.
- Mickey Kantor—US trade representative, then Monsanto board member.
- Blanche Lincoln—US Senator and chair of Agriculture Committee, then founder of lobbying firm Lincoln Policy Group
- William D. Ruckelshaus—EPA Administrator, then acting Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and then Deputy Attorney General of the United States, then EPA administrator, then Monsanto Board member.
- Donald Rumsfeld—Secretary of Defense and previous secretary of Searle, a Monsanto subsidiary, for eight years
- Michael R. Taylor—assistant to the FDA commissioner, then attorney for King & Spalding, then FDA deputy commissioner for policy on food safety between 1991 and 1994. He was cleared of conflict of interest accusations. Then he became Monsanto's VP for Public Policy, becoming Senior Advisor to the FDA Commissioner for the Obama administration.
- Clarence Thomas—Supreme Court Justice who worked as an attorney for Monsanto in the 1970s, then wrote the majority opinion in J. E. M. Ag Supply, Inc. v. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. finding that "newly developed plant breeds are patentable under the general utility patent laws of the United States."
- Ann Veneman—Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, and member of the board of directors of Calgene
United Kingdom
During the late 1990s, Monsanto lobbied to raise permitted glyphosate levels in soybeans and was successful in convincing Codex Alimentarius and both the UK and US governments to lift levels 200 times to 20 milligrams per kilogram of soya. When asked how negotiations with Monsanto were conducted, Lord Donoughue, then the Labour Party Agriculture minister in the House of Lords, stated that all information relating to the matter would be "kept secret". During the 24 months prior to the 1997 British election Monsanto representatives had 22 meetings at the departments of Agriculture and the Environment. Stanley Greenberg, an election advisor to Tony Blair, later worked as a Monsanto consultant. Former Labour spokesperson David Hill, became Monsanto's media adviser at the lobbying firm Bell Pottinger. The Labour government was challenged in Parliament about "trips, facilities, gifts and other offerings of financial value provided by Monsanto to civil servants", but only acknowledged that Department of Trade and Industry had two working lunches with Monsanto. Peter Luff, then a Conservative Party MP and Chairman of the Agriculture Select Committee, received up to £10,000 a year from Bell Pottinger on behalf of Monsanto.
European Union
In January 2011, WikiLeaks documents suggested that US diplomats in Europe responded to a request for help from the Spanish government. One report stated, "In addition, the cables show US diplomats working directly for GM companies such as Monsanto. 'In response to recent urgent requests by state secretary Josep Puxeu and Monsanto, post requests renewed US government support of Spain's science-based agricultural biotechnology position through high-level US government intervention.'" The leaked documents showed that in 2009, when the Spanish government's policy approving MON810 was under pressure from EU interests, Monsanto's Director for Biotechnology for Spain and Portugal requested that the US government support Spain on the matter. The leaks indicated that Spain and the US had worked closely together to "persuade the EU not to strengthen biotechnology laws". Spain was viewed as a key GMO supporter and a leading indicator of support across the continent. The leaks also revealed that in response to an attempt by France to ban MON810 in late 2007, then-US ambassador to France, Craig Roberts Stapleton, asked Washington to "calibrate a targeted retaliation list that some pain across the EU", targeting countries that did not support the use of GM crops. This activity transpired after the US, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, Mexico and New Zealand had brought an action against Europe via the World Trade Organization with respect to the EU's banning of GMOs; in 2006, the WTO had ruled against the EU.
Monsanto was a member of EuropaBio, the leading biotechnology trade group in Europe. One of EuropaBio's initiatives is "Transforming Europe's position on GM food". It found "an urgent need to reshape the terms of the debate about GM in Europe". EuropaBio proposed the recruitment of high-profile "ambassadors" to lobby EU officials.
In September 2017 Monsanto lobbyists were banned from the European parliament after the Monsanto refused to attend a parliamentary hearing into allegations of regulatory interference.
Haiti
After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Monsanto donated $255,000 for disaster relief and 60,000 seed sacks (475 tons) of hybrid (non-GM) corn and vegetable seeds worth $4 million. However, a Catholic Relief Services (CRS) rapid assessment of seed supply and demand for the five most common food security crops found that the Haitians had enough seed and recommended that imported seeds be introduced only on a small scale. Emmanuel Prophete, head of Haiti's Ministry of Agriculture's Service National Semencier (SNS), stated that SNS was not opposed to the hybrid maize seeds because they at least double yields. Louise Sperling, Principal Researcher at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) told HGW that she was not opposed to hybrids, but noted that most hybrids required extra water and better soils and that most of Haiti was not appropriate for hybrids.
Activists objected that some of the seeds were coated with the fungicides Maxim or thiram. In the United States, pesticides containing thiram are banned in home garden products because most home gardeners do not have adequate protection. Activists wrote that the coated seeds were handled in a dangerous manner by the recipients.
The donated seeds were sold at a reduced price in local markets. However, farmers feared that they were being given seeds that would "threaten local varieties".
Public relations
Monsanto has engaged in various public relations campaigns to improve its image and public perception of some of its products. These include developing a relationship with scientist Richard Doll with respect to Agent Orange. Other campaigns include the joint funding with other biotech companies for the website GMO Answers.
Sponsorships
- Disneyland attractions, namely:
- Hall of Chemistry (1955 to 1966)
- Monsanto House of the Future (from 1957 to 1967)
- Fashions and Fabrics through the Years (from 1965 to 1966)
- Adventure Thru Inner Space (from 1967 to 1986)
- Monsanto has donated $10 million to the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis in the 1970s, which named its 1998 plant science facility the 'Monsanto Center', which has been renamed in 2018 as the 'Bayer Center'.
- Field Museum
- Gregor Mendel exhibit and "Underground Adventures" since 2011 "about the importance and fragility of the ecosystem within soil".
- "Monsanto Environmental Education Initiative", led by Gregory M. Mueller
- Chair of the Department of Botany and Associate Curator of Mycology
- Staff of the Field Museum, such as Curator Mark W. Westneat, attended Monsanto meetings
- Monsanto Insectarium, renamed in 2018 as the Bayer Insectarium, at the St. Louis Zoo, in St. Louis, Missouri,
University relationships
Monsanto was a major funder of science research at Washington University in St. Louis for many years. This research was highlighted by the Washington University/Monsanto Biomedical Research Agreement, which brought more than $100 million of research funding to the university. Washington University built the Monsanto Laboratory of the Life Sciences in 1965. In 2015, Monsanto gave Washington University's Institute for School Partnership a $1.94 million grant to help better teach students in STEM fields.
Awards
In 2009 Monsanto was chosen as Forbes magazine's company of the year. In 2010 Swiss research firm Covalence rated Monsanto least ethical of 581 multinational corporations based on their EthicalQuote reputation tracking index which "aggregates thousands of positive and negative news items published by the media, companies, and stakeholders", without attempt to validate sources. The journal Science ranked Monsanto in its Top 20 Employers list between 2011 and 2014. In 2012, it described the company as "innovative leader in the industry", "makes changes needed" and "does important quality research". Monsanto executive Robert Fraley won the World Food Prize for "breakthrough achievements in founding, developing, and applying modern agricultural biotechnology".
Documentaries
See also
- Biological patents in the United States
- DuPont Pioneer
- Genetically modified food controversies
- Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories
- Temporal analysis of products
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Il faut aussi ... varier les modes d'actions ... et éviter les faux mélanges de produits ayant le même mode d'action qui ne font qu'augmenter le risque
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The varieties being grown today are usually resistant to or tolerant of individual biotic or abiotic influences. Resistances based solely on one plant characteristic (often controlled through one gene) can be broken by adapting the harmful organisms. Increasingly, the aim in resistance research is to create modern breeding measures which breed polygenic resistant plants with resistance mechanisms that harmful organisms find it difficult to circumvent.
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- "Monsanto Laboratory of the Life Sciences". Washington University in St. Louis. Archived from the original on August 22, 2019. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
- "Monsanto Fund Awards $1.9 Million Grant to Institute for School Partnership". Monsanto. August 18, 2015. Archived from the original on August 20, 2019. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
- "Monsanto - WashU Stem Initiative". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
- Weiner, Juli (October 7, 2010). "How Seed Giant Monsanto Went from 2009 Company of the Year to Worst Stock of 2010". The Hive. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- "Covalence Ethical Rankings 2009". January 26, 2010. Archived from the original on March 17, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
- "About-Us". Covalence EthicalQuote. January 12, 2007. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
- "Methodology". Archived from the original on April 20, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
Covalence does not see some sources as more reliable than others. Any source is considered equally. Covalence does not validate information sources, neither the content of information.
- "Across Sectors". January 26, 2010. Archived from the original on March 25, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
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And where was Monsanto on the list? Dead last. 581 out of 581.
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- Pollack, Andrew (June 20, 2013). "Executive at Monsanto Wins Global Food Honor". The New York Times.
- The World According to Monsanto on YouTube
Bibliography
- Ehrlich, Walter (1997). Zion in the Valley, 1807-1907: Volume I, The Jewish Community of St. Louis. University of Missouri Press. ISBN 0-8262-1098-8.
- Forrestal, Dan J. (1977). Faith, Hope & $5000: The Story of Monsanto, Simon & Schuster, ISBN 0-671-22784-X.
- Pechlaner, Gabriela, Corporate Crops: Biotechnology, Agriculture, and the Struggle for Control, University of Texas Press, 2012, ISBN 0292739451
- Robin, Marie-Monique, The World According to Monsanto: Pollution, Corruption, and the Control of the World's Food Supply, New Press, 2009, ISBN 1595584269
- Spears, Ellen Griffith, Baptized in PCBs: Race, Pollution, and Justice in an All-American Town, The University of North Carolina Press, 2014, ISBN 1469611716.
- Shiva, Vandana, Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking of the Global Food Supply, South End Press, 2000, ISBN 0896086070.
External links
- Media related to Monsanto Company at Wikimedia Commons
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