News

Concerns raised about a “mega merger”

Monsanto’s pursuit of Syngenta, if realized, would be a huge merger of agriculture companies.  Chandler Goule with the National Farmers Union says that’s not a good thing. Goule tells Brownfield Ag News, “The only people that benefit from these mega mergers are the companies themselves. I want to be just very clear that NFU isn’t saying anything negative about either company, it’s just the merging of the two of them is really going to decrease competition out in the countryside. And, that’s bad for rural America and that’s bad for family farmers.” But, Brett Begeman, Monsanto’s COO and President, says his company wants to merge with Syngenta to bring farmers the tools they need to face the challenges ahead, “By helping link together with crop protection, seed and traits we believe we can help them increase the productivity on their farms,” Begemen tells Brownfield. Monsanto has made two recent offers to buy Syngenta and both have been declined. Begeman tells Brownfield that Monsanto will continue to talk with Syngenta shareholders with hopes to talk with Syngenta management about opportunities “to create value for farmers around the world.” Brownfield’s request for an interview with Syngenta is pending. In a news release from June 8th, Syngenta said it was concerned about the regulatory risks of such a merger. AUDIO:  Tom Steever interviews Brett Begeman (8:00 mp3):

AUDIO:  Julie Harker interviews Chandler Ghoule (3:30 mp3):