MIR162 Lawsuits Keep Piling Up
On Nov. 19, 2014, Archer Daniels Midland Co. filed a lawsuit against Syngenta AG over its marketing and distribution of a genetically modified corn crop that had not been approved for import by China. The lawsuit is the latest in a growing litigation of more than 100 exporters and farmers who are currently pursuing damages from Swiss-based Syngenta.
According to the lawsuit, Syngenta commercialized the MIR162 corn, also known as Agrisure Viptera, without first creating a program to ensure that the product would not be shipped to countries or markets that have not, or would not, approve it. However, in the past year, China has turned away shipments of more than one million tons of U.S.-grown corn products because they contained the MIR162 grain.
As a result of China’s rejections, U.S. exporters have allegedly suffered substantial losses, including tens of millions of dollars in damages, according to the most recent Syngenta lawsuit. Syngenta stated that the lawsuit, which was filed in Louisiana state court, is without merit.
Archer Daniels Midland Was Not The First
Fellow grain exporters Trans Coastal Supply Co. and Cargill Inc. have also filed Syngenta lawsuits, seeking damages that are linked to China’s rejection of the companies’ shipments. Additionally, several Midwest farmers filed corresponding lawsuits in October 2014, reportedly seeking compensation for the profits they lost due to the decrease in corn prices and the disruption of the trade. Each plaintiff alleges that Syngenta had the responsibility to verify that China would accept the shipments before the crop was planted throughout the U.S.
According to the National Grain & Feed Association, the estimated loss for U.S. farmers and exporters is more than $1 billion. Over the past two years, the genetically-modified crop had been planted on an estimated three percent of U.S. acres and can be found in the country’s supply chain because it was not segregated from other types of corn since it was first introduced in 2011.
Do You Believe You Have a Claim Against Syngenta?
You don’t have to have purchased Syngenta’s Agrisure Viptera to have a claim against Syngenta for lost profits. If you are a corn farmer who believes that your income has declined this year because of China’s ban on MIR162, regardless of whether you purchased Viptera or not, contact us at the Attorney Group to learn about your rights. We can evaluate your claim and help you determine if you can file a Syngenta lawsuit. If you have a case, one of our affiliated attorneys can file your Syngenta lawsuit at no out-of-pocket-cost to you. Attorney Group can help you get the monetary compensation to which you are entitled. Call to find out more information.
