• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Organic Seed Alliance

Advancing ethical seed solutions to meet food and farming needs in a changing world

  • News
  • Programs
    • Research
    • Education
    • Advocacy
  • Publications
    • All Publications
    • How-to Guides
    • Reports
    • Webinars
    • Worksheets & Record-keeping
    • Conference Proceedings
  • Resources
    • 2023 Policy Platform for Seed
    • State of Organic Seed
    • Organic Seed Producers & Intern Host Farm Directory
    • Variety Trial Tool
    • Seed Patent Watch
    • Seed Internship Program & Organic Seed Production Online Course
    • Seed Economics Toolkit
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Organic Seed Growers Conference
    • COVID-19 Protocols
  • Media
  • About
    • Staff Directory
    • Board & Advisors
    • Our Story
    • Our Values
    • Our Alliance
    • Commitment to Racial Equity
    • Business Partners
    • Annual Report
    • Contact Us
    • FAQ
  • Give

Seed Policy · May 29, 2018

OSA Denounces Bayer’s Takeover of Monsanto

The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division says it will allow Bayer’s $66 billion purchase of Monsanto. The companies reached a settlement with the DOJ that involves Bayer selling some seed and chemical assets to BASF, another big player in both sectors. The Bayer-Monsanto merger will create the world’s largest seed and chemical company, further concentrating an already extremely consolidated industry. OSA’s Director of Advocacy Kiki Hubbard released the following statement:

Though not surprising, the Department of Justice’s decision to allow the Bayer and Monsanto merger is deeply disturbing. If history has taught us anything, it’s that the approval of this seed industry merger will lead to less choice and higher prices for American farmers. We believe this decision also makes our food system more vulnerable, because seed is different from other agricultural inputs – it’s a living, natural resource that demands careful management as society and seed adapt to rapidly changing climates and agricultural challenges and opportunities. Reducing the number of competitive players in the industry, which inevitably leads to less genetic diversity in our fields and marketplace, is simply bad public policy.

The divestiture deal announced today does nothing to quell concerns about the negative consequences this merger will have on farmers. Selling assets to the next largest player is simply an act of reshuffling a few cards at the top of the deck and will not change the current industry structure. The lack of antitrust law enforcement is disgraceful and demonstrates a startling disregard for the long-term success and sustainability of American agriculture.

Contact: Kiki Hubbard, (406) 544-8946

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Categories: Seed Policy

Tags: Consolidation

Kiki Hubbard

Kristina (Kiki) Hubbard is the director of advocacy and communications for Organic Seed Alliance. She currently leads efforts to promote policies and actions that support organic seed systems, including managing OSA’s State of Organic Seed project.

Latest Tweets

Footer

Advancing ethical seed solutions to meet food and farming needs in a changing world

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 Organic Seed Alliance · All Rights Reserved · Website by Tomatillo Design