Monsanto-Syngenta Merger.pdf

The proposed $45 billion merger between Monsanto and Syngenta will lead to the two companies controlling 54% of global commercial seed sales and a third of the world's pesticide market, increasing corporate concentration in the farm field. The merger is part of a larger trend of consolidation in the agricultural inputs industry, with six companies controlling 75% of the market. The merger will likely lead to cascading acquisitions and divestitures, and farmers and consumers will be the losers. The industry is shifting towards proprietary data and technology, with companies like Monsanto investing in weather surveillance and data-based monitoring services. The integration of seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers is becoming increasingly universal, and the development of robotic farm machines and drones will further consolidate the industry. The concept of "climate-smart" agriculture is being used to justify the consolidation and promote the development of new technologies, but it may actually undermine plant resilience and promote the use of synthetic biology techniques.