Several farm and consumer groups are seeking to stop the proposed deal Monsanto has offered to Syngenta as a possible merger/takeover.
Ag Professional reports coalitions of opponents are being formed and market analyzations are being conducted.
It comes though as Monsanto, the world’s largest seed company, has yet to persuade Syngenta, the world’s top provider of agricultural chemicals, to even start negotiations.
The National Farmers Union has openly opposed the deal, as NFU president Roger Johnson says “this would reduce competition in the marketplace.”
The American Antitrust Institute nonprofit group also will lobby against any deal.
Diana Moss, its president, said “Farmers are already paying through the nose,” and that “this would take it to a whole new level.”
Monsanto company officials say they are making progress persuading Syngenta shareholders that its $45 billion acquisition offer should not be ignored, and that farmers would benefit through greater product innovation.
Monsanto maintains that farmers are the companies number one priority and that would not change under any acquisition.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported last week BASF has lined up a loan package from large multinational banks for a potential takeover offer for Syngenta as well.
