photo credit: nWoSyxx

War of the Titans: DuPont vs. Monsanto

The Washington Times exclusive, right below the masthead, headline last Tuesday, August 18, 2009 was: Monsanto chief accuses rival DuPont of deceit. Seems these bio-tech titans are suing and counter suing each other over patent rights. Monsanto is accusing DuPont of lying and smearing their name, and backing an anti-Monsanto “special interest” group. DuPont is blasting Monsanto for their underhanded, strong arm, anti-competitive practices.

The public affairs director for DuPont, Anthony Farina, in his statement to the press about the flap, said this:

“DuPont along with other companies, farmers, non-profit groups and government authorities are all active participants in the important public discussion about competition in agriculture. Our response to Monsanto’s latest lawsuit is part of the public record and speaks for itself. It makes clear why Monsanto’s business practices are illegal and why Monsanto’s anti-competitive business practices hurt farmers, hurt consumers, and hurt independent seed companies. We will not try these important issues through the media and we look forward to having these issues decided in court — where Monsanto initiated this.”

Looks like Monsanto has made a fatal mistake, they finally are picking on someone their own size, who is well equipped to take them on, instead of small farmers with shallow pockets, and small seed cleaning businesses with no resources to defend themselves.

photo credit: illustir

Here is the rest of Farina’s statement:

“Many other organizations and individuals share our concerns, including a large group of state attorney general that continues to investigate Monsanto’s business practices today.  Monsanto has been unable to persuade state attorneys general to drop the investigation during the last year.

In addition, it appears the Obama Administration may also be concerned.  Just last week the U.S. Attorney General (Eric Holder) and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (Tom Vilsack) announced unprecedented joint hearings to study competition in agriculture, including seed traits.

We fully expect Monsanto to continue the campaign of diversion for as long as they feel things are not going their way on the merits. We received Monsanto’s letter — only after they provided the letter to the media first — and we will respond to them in an appropriate manner. “

Here is a link to the Times article: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/18/monsanto-chief-accuses-rival-dupont-of-deceit/.  This court battle will hopefully attract the attention it deserves, and big bully Monsanto will have their malpractices stopped.

DuPont may be just the ally the sustainable agriculture proponents have been looking for. An unlikely ally, but one we can be grateful for.  The future of American agriculture may depend on them winning this case.

Please let us know, Mr. Farina, how our blog readers can bolster your case.  There are many stories around North America, where Monsanto attorneys have chilled free enterprise with legal action.  Many consumers are very concerned, about the real threat Monsanto’s actions pose to freedom, free enterprise, crop diversity, and the family farm. Their intimidation of seed cleaners is among the more reprehensible. The farm and ranch lifestyle has always been characterized by thrift. To outlaw the saving of seeds is unconstitutional, and an abuse of our frugal and prudent farmers. Maybe some of those consumers, farmers and seed cleaners could write letters of support? Please advise.

Here is the link to the DuPont counter claim.

Search for the DuPont press release about the case, by this headline in the DuPont Press Room:

DuPont Asserts Anti-Trust, Patent Claims Against Monsanto