Bayer-Monsanto Merger Raising Concern for Canola Farmers
LETHBRIDGE – The proposed merger between Bayer and Monsanto has many canola produces concerned for the aftermath that comes with a reduction of competition.
In particular, the $66 billion deal announced on Sept. 14.
Ward Toma, General Manager of at Alberta Canola Producers Commission pessimistic of the corporation’s ability to advance innovation for Canadian agriculture.
“These companies have a significant market share, approximately 80 to 90 per-cent of the herbicide trades on top of being a significant seller of canola seeds. When you have such a large entity being created, a virtual monopoly in seed sales and in ownership of herbicide tolerant and canola, it’s unprecedented. For many growers it is just too large.”