Organization for Competitive Markets

by Richard Oswald City folks tend to see farmers as wealthy landowners who dig in the soil for something nearly as good as gold. Really though, it’s the value of yellow grain and growing things that decide whether farmers mine bottomless wealth on their land, or just get the shaft. For farmers there’s no such thing as a cost of living increase. We don’t get fringe benefits or health care…

OCM52009DCrelease_(5) The Organization for Competitive Markets will address lawmakers and other congressional staff in Washington D.C. concerning the ills of intense concentration in the patented seed industry.

OCM_Press_Release_may509 OCM is disappointed by Monsanto’s move to restrict choice in seed selection. OCM believes a quick resolution is urgently needed so optimum GAT trait technology can be available to farmer’s as soon as possible. OCM addressed Monsanto’s move to restrict choice in seed selection in this most recent press release.

OCM_Press_Release_march1609 OCM Released a three-part video series called “Seeds of Domination” in which the ills of concentration in the patented seed industry is examined. Seeds of Domination – Part 1 Seeds of Domination – Part 2 Seeds of Domination – Part 3

Organization for Competitive Markets P.O. Box 6486 Lincoln, NE 68506 www.competitivemarkets.com For Immediate Release: July 24, 2008 Contact: Kristina Hubbard, hubbard@competitivemarkets.com, 406-203-4433 Fred Stokes, tfredstokes@hughes.net, 601-527-2459 Monsanto Corn Seed Price Hikes a Threat to Agriculture Lincoln, NE – The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) says Monsanto’s market power is driving up seed prices and increasing economic risk to farmers. “Monsanto’s market power has been quietly accruing over several years and…

The problem of consolidation in the seed industry is well known. One company in particular, the Monsanto Company, controls a high percentage of the global seed market and continues to increase its dominance by acquiring or merging with a significant number of companies in its industry. Monsanto has acquired dozens of independent seed companies in the last decade. It controls 70% of the transgenic corn market and more than 90%…

Seed Concentration Project Our Mission The OCM Crop Seed Concentration Project pursues aggressive and appropriate pro-market regulation to bring fairness, innovation and competition back to the U.S. crop seed industry. We engage in public education and advocacy, while building a lasting foundation to achieve these goals. What’s the problem? Higher seed and chemical costs In addition to rising fuel and chemical prices, farmers are also paying higher prices for crop…

The concentration of market power in the seed industry cannot be ignored. The problem is well known and already impacts every farmer, rancher and agricultural producer. In the face of historic fuel costs, farmers are also paying higher seed costs with less choice due to unfair trade practices in the crop seed and genetics industry. Our farmers and rural communities are at a disadvantage. Help us take back an open…