FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2016
Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
[email protected]
WASHINGTON (July 14, 2016) – The agriculture inputs sector has faced a troubling trend of consolidation and depressed competition. In response to today’s announcement of the latest proposal by Bayer AG to purchase Monsanto Co., National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson issued the following statement:
“National Farmers Union is troubled by the latest news of a proposed Bayer AG buyout of Monsanto Co., perpetuating a disturbing trend of further consolidation in the agricultural input sector. We have continuously expressed our concern about the outcomes of further industry consolidation. Family farmers, ranchers and consumers are the ones that lose out when we cripple competition, increase prices, and reduce innovation through industry megadeals.
“Given the proposed merger between Dow and DuPont and the pending acquisition of Syngenta AG by China’s National Chemical Corp., we ask that the Department of Justice reject any pending and future deals, including a Bayer/Monsanto deal, that would cripple marketplace competition in an already heavily concentrated agriculture sector.”
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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