A Missouri Syngenta lawsuit may be an option for farmers and exporters who have suffered losses due to Syngenta GMO corn. Syngenta has come under fire after corn grown from seeds developed by the company failed to be purchased by China, one of the largest corn export markets. Farmers allege that Syngenta sold this genetically modified seed before receiving approval, thereby leading to losses totaling millions of dollars. Farmers and exporters who have been financially affected by genetically modified corn seeds sold by Syngenta may be able to file a Missouri Syngenta lawsuit and recover damages for their losses.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Missouri today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Missouri Syngenta lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
U.S. Corn Production
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, corn production plays a major role in the U.S. agricultural economy. As demand grew throughout the 1970s, U.S. corn production increased greatly; a significant portion of it is used as an export commodity. As of 2016, up to 40 percent of the world’s corn is exported from U.S. farmers. Corn has a variety of uses, from livestock sustenance to the production of biofuels.
Syngenta Seed Misrepresentations
According to AG Web, Syngenta claims that their genetically modified seed affords numerous benefits to farmers. Agrisure Viptera, also known as MIR 162, is the genetically engineered attribute that is supposed to increase resistance against insects that commonly target corn crops. The company states that it received necessary approval from all import authorities before dispersing the seed to farmers.
Despite Syngenta’s claims, many farmers allege that the company was negligent in marketing the corn before it received approval from China. These alleged misrepresentations of the genetically modified stock led to exorbitant financial losses for farmers, and even resulted in Syngenta facing a lawsuit filed by Cargill, a major feed exporter. Across the U.S., farmers claim more than $1 billion in lost revenue, which has led to disruption within many markets.
Bellwether Trial Process Questioned by Syngenta
Feednavigator.com reports on Syngenta’s questioning of the bellwether trial process currently underway in a U.S. district court. Courts typically utilize bellwether trials in larger cases for a number of reasons, as bellwether trials can help facilitate a speedier completion to determine whether a case should be resolved by settlement or additional trials. It can also reduce costs, which may become exorbitant when in mass litigation, as well as help those involved develop workable legal strategies.
Plaintiffs in the case state that Syngenta is attempting to halt the bellwether process with baseless claims and has no real legal standing for their objections. Syngenta is taking issue with the types of cases being selected for the bellwether process, citing problems with where the cases are being filed as well as when they were filed.
Agrisure Viptera’s Issues with China’s Regulatory Process
The National Corn Growers Association provides insight into China’s regulatory process. Syngenta’s initial application of Agrisure Viptera was finally approved by China in 1,460 days. Other countries usually employ a far shorter approval schedule, with agricultural reviews in Canada typically taking only 771 days, and just 372 days in Brazil.
Shipments of corn containing the MIR 162 trait were first rejected by China in 2013. Prior to that, China requested more information from Syngenta while also undertaking trials utilizing the corn. This process transpired over a period of three years. Approval of Agrisure Viptera was received by other countries in 2010, including Japan, Canada and the U.S. During that same year the corn was submitted to China for review.
Additional Syngenta Lawsuit Claims
Along with the lawsuits filed by Cargill and numerous farmers, Syngenta faces additional legal action from a livestock feed exporter. Trans Coastal Supply Co. cites damaging financial losses after feed was rejected due to the presence of the genetically-modified trait. The company alleges that Syngenta prioritized profits to the detriment of others by marketing corn that had not yet been approved by China.
How a Missouri Syngenta Lawsuit Can Help
Farmers who have lost money as a result of Syngenta selling genetically engineered corn seed are filing Syngenta GMO corn lawsuits. Whether or not a farmer used GMO corn seed, their harvest may have been contaminated, rejected or sold at a lower price as a result of Syngenta’s actions. Plaintiffs include exporters, corn farmers, brokers, grain silos, resellers and others involved in the corn chain of distribution. Corn farmers who did not use Syngenta corn seed may also be able to pursue a claim.
People who have been affected by Syngenta GMO corn are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified Missouri Syngenta lawsuit attorney so that they can be informed of their legal rights.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Missouri. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
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Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
