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% of the transgenic soybean market.

In 2007, Monsanto acquired Delta and Pine Land, the nation's largest cotton seed company. OCM opposed this acquisition, as did several other farm organizations and 13 state attorneys general. Monsanto now controls about 90% of the cotton seed and cotton seed traits marketplace.

Download the complaint: U.S. vs. Monsanto and Delta and Pine Land

Download OCM's letter to the court

Download a diagram of Monsanto's acquisitions

Download Monsanto's transgenic trait dominance in U.S. market

Download a fact sheet on Monsanto's 2008 price hike in seed corn

View Monsanto's July 2008 letter regarding its glyphosate price hike (click on image)

Monsanto’s effort to enforce licensing agreements and protect its patent rights has dramatically altered American agriculture. Monsanto has filed more than 100 patent infringement lawsuits against U.S. farmers. Sometimes the farmers and businesses it targets are completely innocent. Yet these farmers undergo undue financial and emotional stress in their effort to avoid costly lawsuits.  

Download Monsanto vs. U.S. Farmers

Download a fact sheet on Monsanto's Technology Agreement

View Monsanto's 2008 Technology Agreement

View Monsanto's 2008 Technology Use Guide

Download RAFI-USA's Brochure on Monsanto's Technology Agreement

Seed Licensing

Monsanto grows its market power through a clever licensing strategy designed to restrain competition and future innovation.

Independent seed companies, which constitute 25-30% of the market, enter into licensing agreements with Monsanto to access and sell its genetics in regional seed varieties.

We believe some companies cannot carry seeds with competitors’ traits. This limits choice in seeds and seed traits and turns independent seed companies into exclusive licensees and markets for Monsanto.

Download a Q&A on the multi-state Attorneys General investigation

Download a petition addressed to state Attorneys General