Monsanto is the gorilla controlling the seed industry
Fred Stokes, a prominent figure in the Organization for Competitive Markets wrote: “As you know, the seed industry has become highly concentrated, with Monsanto becoming the dominant global player in the industry.”
It is said that he who controls the seed controls the food supply. Monsanto clearly is the 800-pound gorilla and has a reputation for playing rough. The OCM is launching a new project that will take a critical look at the seed industry and the ills of concentration. On Wednesday, April 16, Michael Stumo, OCM General Counsel, and I were guests on the Derry Brownfield Show and discussed the new project and seed industry concentration.
The following Monday, Derry Brownfield was notified that his right to broadcast over the Learfield Communications Network was being terminated; presumably because of the April 16th broadcast.”
Monsanto is ranked 305th out of the fortune 500 in 2007, with revenue of over $8.
Sizzling commodities market puts the heat on farmers
NEW ORLEANS — Farming has always been a risky business, at the mercy of bad weather, wars and drought.
Demand for imports fall by large amount
WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in March as demand for imports fell by the largest amount since the last recession was ending. Analysts forecast that trade would continue to be one of the economy’s few bright spots this year.
» Full StoryStocks decline as AIG reveals need for cash, oil surges
NEW YORK — Wall Street ended the week with a big decline as investors grappled with two of the biggest threats to the economy: fallout from turmoil in the credit market and surging energy prices. All three major indexes suffered losses for the week.
» Full StoryBusiness Highlights May 10, 2008
Citigroup to shed $500B in assets
NEW YORK — Citigroup Inc.’s new chief executive, Vikram Pandit, plans to stick with a global banking model after months of intense review — but only after shrinking the company by about one-fifth first.
Jobless claims have been volatile in recent weeks
WASHINGTON — The number of newly laid off workers seeking unemployment benefits dropped much more than expected last week.
» Full Story

