A lawsuit brought by organic farmers against Monsanto (NYSE:MON) has been dismissed by a federal court in New York.
Although a lot of the cotton corn, canola and soy in the United States is genetically modified, the major concern and probability is for corn to be the main crop which could migrate to nearby fields, which the lawsuit was about.
The two major concerned aired by organic farmers was over the possibility of being sued by Monsanto over the drifting of their genetically modified genes into the fields of the farmers, which of course hadn't paid for them.
Second, was the potential for organic farmers' crops to lose value because of the inclusion of some of the genetically modified crops mixed with theirs.
As of 2011, anywhere from half a percent to 2 percent of GMOs are mixed in with organic corn, generating some of the concerns from organic farmers.
The judge ruled against the organic farmers because "not one single plaintiff claims to have been so threatened" by Monsanto concerning a lawsuit.
According to the ruling, the judge added that the farmers overstated the magnitude of patent enforcement" by Monsanto, which on average brings about 13 patent-enforcement lawsuits annually. The judge said that "is hardly significant when compared to the number of farms in the United States, approximately two million."
In regard to patent rights, Monsanto asserted they don't bring lawsuits against farmers where small amounts of traits from their genes land in the fields of the organic farmers, or others.
Showing posts with label Monsanto Corn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monsanto Corn. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monanto (MON) Battles France Over MON810 Corn
Monsanto (NYSE:MON) has won legal battle after legal battle in its pursuit of introducing MON810 corn into the French market, and with little recourse left to it, France continues to fight against the release of the genetically modified (GM) corn into the country.
MON810 is the only genetically modified crop that has been approved by the EU for planting in EU member countries.
After being ruled against by the European Court of Justice in September, 2011, France was also ruled against by the highest court in November, leaving them with just a plea to the EU that they not allow the rulings to go forward.
The question is what legal standing does France have left, as the plea has already been addressed and legally rejected.
It appears the only recourse for France is hopes of the EU deciding to allow individual countries in the region to decide. The problem with that is of course whenever the population of a certain country in the EU resists decisions, it undermines the group of countries who are fighting to keep the EU from collapsing altogether.
If France has no desire to abide by the rulings, the best thing the country could do is just quit pretending it's part of the EU and leave it; then begin to use its own currency again, while reasserting its own sovereignty.
Trying to have it both ways, even with something as small and relatively insignificant as GM corn, underscores the weakness of the EU, which is continuing to teeter on the precipice of collapse.
MON810 is the only genetically modified crop that has been approved by the EU for planting in EU member countries.
After being ruled against by the European Court of Justice in September, 2011, France was also ruled against by the highest court in November, leaving them with just a plea to the EU that they not allow the rulings to go forward.
The question is what legal standing does France have left, as the plea has already been addressed and legally rejected.
It appears the only recourse for France is hopes of the EU deciding to allow individual countries in the region to decide. The problem with that is of course whenever the population of a certain country in the EU resists decisions, it undermines the group of countries who are fighting to keep the EU from collapsing altogether.
If France has no desire to abide by the rulings, the best thing the country could do is just quit pretending it's part of the EU and leave it; then begin to use its own currency again, while reasserting its own sovereignty.
Trying to have it both ways, even with something as small and relatively insignificant as GM corn, underscores the weakness of the EU, which is continuing to teeter on the precipice of collapse.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Monsanto More than Doubles Profits in Fiscal-first Quarter
The fiscal-first quarter for Monsanto Co. (MON) couldn't have been much more profitable, as the biotechnology company more than doubled profits.
Most of that was driven by glyphosate-based weed killer "Roundup" sold in Latin America, along with overall corn seed sales.
Another factor in the solid profits was the pricing strategy implemented by Monsanto, as they increased corn seed prices by between 15% to 20% while looking to increase prices this year by up to 25%, said the company.
For Monsanto and other companies, the question becomes whether the price increases will be able to hold, as their original increases came before commodities got hit hard. If commodities don't come back fairly quickly, it'll be hard to maintain those increases in a soft market.
If that doesn't happen soon, management of costs will be a significant factor in Monsanto's profits going, as they may have to cut their projected price increases if farmers aren't able or willing to pay Monsanto's wanted price.
Another concern in the sector is the very real possibility of a worldwide seed pricing war, which according to Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant, they won't participate in, and will hold their projected pricing to maintain their margins.
The thought there is competitors will be forced to revert to increasing prices even if they gain some temporary market share, as it'll cut significantly into profits. That seems to be a risky strategy, but at the same time it's also risky for competitors over the long haul.
For the fiscal first quarter ending November 30, net income surged from $256 million last year to $556 million this year. Sales grew to $2.65 billion for a record first quarter, an increase of 29 percent.
The company also increased its guidance to a range of $4.40 to $4.50 from $4.20 to $4.40 on an ongoing basis.
Going forward, Monsanto is continuing on with its strategy of introducing its SmartStax corn seed, which include eight genetic changes, and developed to take the place of triple-stack corn seeds.
The drought-tolerant corn of Monsanto is also near the end of its research and development stage, and is awaiting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Assuming approval from the USDA and targeted nations, seed is scheduled to be marketed in 2012.
Even with the great news of Monsanto's performance, the key going ahead is whether they can maintain their aggressive pricing without losing significant market share. Increased supply into the market and competitors' responding by lowering prices could put downward pressure on profits for the company.
Still, to perform like they have under these economic conditions is quite an accomplishment. Long term they seem to be a solid company to invest in.
Most of that was driven by glyphosate-based weed killer "Roundup" sold in Latin America, along with overall corn seed sales.
Another factor in the solid profits was the pricing strategy implemented by Monsanto, as they increased corn seed prices by between 15% to 20% while looking to increase prices this year by up to 25%, said the company.
For Monsanto and other companies, the question becomes whether the price increases will be able to hold, as their original increases came before commodities got hit hard. If commodities don't come back fairly quickly, it'll be hard to maintain those increases in a soft market.
If that doesn't happen soon, management of costs will be a significant factor in Monsanto's profits going, as they may have to cut their projected price increases if farmers aren't able or willing to pay Monsanto's wanted price.
Another concern in the sector is the very real possibility of a worldwide seed pricing war, which according to Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant, they won't participate in, and will hold their projected pricing to maintain their margins.
The thought there is competitors will be forced to revert to increasing prices even if they gain some temporary market share, as it'll cut significantly into profits. That seems to be a risky strategy, but at the same time it's also risky for competitors over the long haul.
For the fiscal first quarter ending November 30, net income surged from $256 million last year to $556 million this year. Sales grew to $2.65 billion for a record first quarter, an increase of 29 percent.
The company also increased its guidance to a range of $4.40 to $4.50 from $4.20 to $4.40 on an ongoing basis.
Going forward, Monsanto is continuing on with its strategy of introducing its SmartStax corn seed, which include eight genetic changes, and developed to take the place of triple-stack corn seeds.
The drought-tolerant corn of Monsanto is also near the end of its research and development stage, and is awaiting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Assuming approval from the USDA and targeted nations, seed is scheduled to be marketed in 2012.
Even with the great news of Monsanto's performance, the key going ahead is whether they can maintain their aggressive pricing without losing significant market share. Increased supply into the market and competitors' responding by lowering prices could put downward pressure on profits for the company.
Still, to perform like they have under these economic conditions is quite an accomplishment. Long term they seem to be a solid company to invest in.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Corn News and Updates
US corn rallies in late trading
CBOT Corn Review
Corn prices gain 2.05% in Chicago
Farmers using biotech seed may pay less insurance
Farmers always adapt to meet demand for corn
USDA: Corn production down from last year
USDA Approves Syngenta and John Deere for Broadened Biotechnology Endorsement for Corn Crop Insurance
Half Corn Crop At Dough Stage
India corn futures lower on US corn
CBOT Corn Review
Corn prices gain 2.05% in Chicago
Farmers using biotech seed may pay less insurance
Farmers always adapt to meet demand for corn
USDA: Corn production down from last year
USDA Approves Syngenta and John Deere for Broadened Biotechnology Endorsement for Corn Crop Insurance
Half Corn Crop At Dough Stage
India corn futures lower on US corn
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Monsanto in Deal with Bayer CropScience LP for Corn Treatment
Monsanto Co. (NYSE:MON) and a division of Bayer AG (Other OTC:BAYRY.PK), Bayer CropScience LP, have entered an agreement in relationship to a new fungicide product which will treat corn crops.
The new treatment would be used in the early corn season, and would protect seedlings against insects and diseases during that period of growth. It's said to be a significant improvement over past remedies.
Monsanto has exclusive rights under the terms of the deal to market the new product under its Dekalb corn brand label. It will also be empowered to license the new product through its licensing division.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Weekend Corn News Roundup
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CBOT Corn Outlook: 1-2 Cents Lower On Light Profit-Taking
Chicago Board of Trade corn futures are expected to open 1-2 cents a bushel lower after prices reached technically overbought conditions and as traders take some profits ahead of the weekend, analysts said Friday.
=====
Corn Looks to Trend Higher
On Thursday, April 3, July corn prices were up 4.25 cents, closing just shy of the highs at $6.13 a bushel.
=====
In The Cattle Markets: Prospective Plantings Will Not Help Feeders
It has been a tough winter and early spring to make money in the cattle feeding business and Monday’s USDA Prospective Plantings Report will not likely help feeders.
=====
Japanese food processor to accept GM corn
Japanese wet miller, Kato Kagaku Co., Ltd., will start accepting non-segregated genetically modified corn for starch, sweetener and processed food production.
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CBOT Corn Review: Down Slightly On Pre-Weekend Profit-Taking
Chicago Board of Trade corn futures gave back a small portion of this week's gains as the market became overbought and traders decided to book profits ahead of the weekend, traders and analysts said Friday.
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Corn Prices Surpass $6 A Bushel: Investors, Grab Your Overalls
Corn prices have jumped dramatically during the past few months, hitting a record high of more than $6 a bushel. Demand for corn has increased, and the outlook concerning whether future supply can meet this demand is uncertain.
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Monsanto to build seed corn facility near Independence
On the same day it announced record-setting second-quarter revenues, Monsanto Co. announced an Iowa site for a new seed corn facility, moving forward on expansion plans within the state.
=====
CBOT Corn Outlook: 1-2 Cents Lower On Light Profit-Taking
Chicago Board of Trade corn futures are expected to open 1-2 cents a bushel lower after prices reached technically overbought conditions and as traders take some profits ahead of the weekend, analysts said Friday.
=====
Corn Looks to Trend Higher
On Thursday, April 3, July corn prices were up 4.25 cents, closing just shy of the highs at $6.13 a bushel.
=====
In The Cattle Markets: Prospective Plantings Will Not Help Feeders
It has been a tough winter and early spring to make money in the cattle feeding business and Monday’s USDA Prospective Plantings Report will not likely help feeders.
=====
Japanese food processor to accept GM corn
Japanese wet miller, Kato Kagaku Co., Ltd., will start accepting non-segregated genetically modified corn for starch, sweetener and processed food production.
=====
CBOT Corn Review: Down Slightly On Pre-Weekend Profit-Taking
Chicago Board of Trade corn futures gave back a small portion of this week's gains as the market became overbought and traders decided to book profits ahead of the weekend, traders and analysts said Friday.
=====
Corn Prices Surpass $6 A Bushel: Investors, Grab Your Overalls
Corn prices have jumped dramatically during the past few months, hitting a record high of more than $6 a bushel. Demand for corn has increased, and the outlook concerning whether future supply can meet this demand is uncertain.
=====
Monsanto to build seed corn facility near Independence
On the same day it announced record-setting second-quarter revenues, Monsanto Co. announced an Iowa site for a new seed corn facility, moving forward on expansion plans within the state.
=====
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Romania Intends to Join other European Union Members in Banning Monsanto Corn
Romania was a large believer in and producer of GM crops before it joined the European Union last year. Now they had a revival and have joined the anti-GM religion, and are looking to ban growing the crop within its borders. It would be the latest setback to the biotechnology industry. Six other EU members have bans in place.
Romanian environmental minister Attila Korodi called for a moratorium on planting the Monsanto GM corn named MON810, with the possibility of instituting a ban on April 15.
The tool Romania will use to justify the ban would be studies used by France and Hungary that allege there is some type of negative effect on the environment.
But as Europabio, a representative of the biotech companies says, “The specific biotech maize has also been the subject of thorough scientific reviews by scientific communities around the world and has received positive approvals by the world’s most robust approval systems, as well as EFSA.”
They added that the bans were totally baseless and would harm farmers.
Romanian environmental minister Attila Korodi called for a moratorium on planting the Monsanto GM corn named MON810, with the possibility of instituting a ban on April 15.
The tool Romania will use to justify the ban would be studies used by France and Hungary that allege there is some type of negative effect on the environment.
But as Europabio, a representative of the biotech companies says, “The specific biotech maize has also been the subject of thorough scientific reviews by scientific communities around the world and has received positive approvals by the world’s most robust approval systems, as well as EFSA.”
They added that the bans were totally baseless and would harm farmers.
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