Take Action to Stop the MergerIf the companies Monsanto and Bayer are allowed to merge, the new company could control around 30% of the global seed market and 25% of agricultural pesticides. This merger could further increase the price of seed, decrease choice in the marketplace for Canadian farmers, and stifle research and development. Canada and other countries need to approve the merger before it can happen. Click here to send an instant letter to Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development asking him to reject the merger. Brazil has just approved the merger and Europe will announce a decision soon. In Canada, the Competition Bureau is reviewing the proposed merger and will announce a decision at some unknown time. However, Canada’s Competition Bureau has already agreed to let Dow and Dupont merge, and to let Syngenta and ChemChina merge. The Monsanto-Bayer merger is the last of the current proposed mega-mergers in seeds and pesticides. Send your letter today. How much control is too much?Monsanto is the world’s largest seed company and the global leader in selling genetically modified (GM or genetically engineered) seeds. In 2013, Monsanto controlled 26% of the global commercial seed market, and 8% of the agrochemical market. Bayer controlled 3% of the seed market and 18% of the agrochemical market. Dow and Dupont agreed to merge in 2015, and earlier this year Chinese company ChemChina bought Syngenta. If the Monsanto-Bayer merger is allowed to go ahead, the resulting three companies would control almost 61% of global commercial seed sales and more than 65% of global pesticide sales. Click here for more information about the possible impacts of the mega-mergers. The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) brings together 16 organizations to research, monitor and raise awareness about issues relating to genetic engineering in food and farming. CBAN members include farmer associations, environmental and social justice organizations, and regional coalitions of grassroots groups. CBAN is a project on Tides Canada’s shared platform. Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) PO Box 25182, Clayton Park, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3M 4H4 Phone : 902 852 5555 |
Mar 072018