Monsanto is forecasting a 25% gross profit increase from its seed and genomics segment in 2008 (more than it expected) and anticipates a similar gross profit increase next year. Its corn business should exceed $2 billion in gross profit for the first time this year. And what can farmers expect? A consolidated industry that offers less choice, higher prices, and decreased innovation. Independent seed companies still make up about a quarter of the marketplace, yet many seem to be exclusive licensees of Monsanto as a result of restrictive outlicensing agreements that keep smaller companies from serving as an additional source of innovation and competition. Significant gross profit increases for the dominant player, talk of $500 seed in the future, falling commodity prices -- and the playing field is even? Farmers can only depend on promises of unprecedented yield increases?