Clarification: The Center for Rural Affairs is a supporting partner in this survey. Please direct questions to Friends of the Earth.
The farm economy is once again in the midst of substantial structural changes.
A major wave of consolidation in the seed and chemical industry that kicked off in 2016 continues to move forward through market and regulatory hoops. The deals are reshaping an already highly consolidated market.
The European Union just extended its deadline to complete its decision on the Bayer-Monsanto merger because it has serious concerns. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice is deep into discussions with affected parties and deciding how it will act on the merger.
Please fill out this survey to help us understand whether some recent changes in corporate control (for example, the Dow & DuPont merger or the proposed Bayer & Monsanto merger) may affect farming practices. Answers will be used to inform policymakers in D.C. and in state capitals about the impact of corporate power on farming.
The time is now for us to have our voices heard, and this survey is a critical way for us to get important information to the Department of Justice and policymakers.
Please take this survey about the impact of concentrated corporate power on your farming operations and your opinion about the Bayer-Monsanto merger by midnight, Monday, Feb. 12. It should take about 10 minutes.
As giant transnational corporations increase their power over the market, independent farmers are left with fewer options and suffer from less competition among input providers. Farmers have lost access to seed varieties and genetic traits while seeing the prices they pay for biotechnology traits skyrocket.
The Center believes in the power of a competitive marketplace and the role of government in guarding against unfair and anticompetitive market practices.
We are working with a number of organizations to collect information through this survey. Some of the other organizations include National Farmers Union, National Family Farm Coalition, Organization for Competitive Markets, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Organic Farmers Association, and Farm Aid.
Remember, the deadline to fill out the survey is midnight on Feb. 12: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZHXFB8B
