7) Monsanto In The Cannabis Industry

Monsanto in the Cannabis Industry: A Global Influence

For decades, Monsanto, known primarily for its role in agriculture and biotechnology, has had significant influence over the global cannabis industry. Although the company is most associated with crops like corn and soybeans, it has expanded its footprint into unsuspected sectors, including cannabis..

Monsanto's Expansion into Cannabis

Monsanto, now part of Bayer after a controversial acquisition, controls an impressive share of the cannabis genetics market. Through strategic partnerships and discreet acquisitions, Monsanto has acquired rights to a considerable percentage of the world's cannabis varieties. Popular strains like Blue Dream are under their control, giving them notable influence over the market and growing practices.

Technology and Genetics

One of Monsanto's most notable contributions to the cannabis industry is the application of cutting-edge technologies for genetic modification. Like their Terminator technology, which has drawn heavy criticism in other agricultural sectors, Monsanto has developed cannabis strains modified for various traits, including disease resistance, increased productivity, and crop uniformity. These technological advances have transformed the way cultivators approach large-scale cannabis production.

Impact on Biodiversity and Culture

Monsanto's consolidation of genetic rights raises serious concerns about biodiversity and small producers' access to seeds. With control over much of the genetics, it becomes difficult for independent growers to diversify their crops and preserve traditional varieties. This centralization can also affect local cultures and traditional agricultural practices, often rooted in specific communities.

Reactions and Regulations

The legal and regulatory implications of Monsanto's involvement in cannabis are complex. While some see their contributions as beneficial technological advancement, others fear increasing monopolization and negative environmental impacts. Governments and environmental organizations are called upon to regulate and closely monitor Monsanto's activities in this new area of application.

Future Outlook

As the cannabis industry continues to grow and regulate globally, the role of Monsanto, now part of Bayer, will only spark more debate and critical scrutiny. How these companies manage their influence and technology will largely determine the future of cannabis culture, both commercially and in terms of environmental sustainability..

Conclusion : The Alarming Implications of Monsanto's Influence in the Cannabis Industry

The emergence of Monsanto, now under the aegis of Bayer, in the cannabis industry raises deep concerns for the future of this ancient crop. With their control over a significant portion of cannabis genetics, Monsanto has not only consolidated their economic power, but also their ability to profoundly influence agricultural practices and genetic biodiversity.

The introduction of advanced genetic modification technologies, such as those used to develop strains like Blue Dream, marks a turning point in the way cannabis is grown and distributed globally. These technological advances not only improve plant productivity and resistance, but also raise ethical and environmental questions about the growing reliance on patented and modified varieties..

The creation of DNA databases for cannabis, similar to those used for crimes, represents an unprecedented intrusion into the privacy of growers and consumers. This level of traceability allows Monsanto to monitor and control every step of the supply chain, from cultivation to distribution, calling into question the safety and autonomy of small producers.

Additionally, Monsanto's strategy to attract former cannabis pioneers into their ranks, often through coercive or financial means, has caused divisions within the growing community. Targeted raids and selective prosecutions have exacerbated these tensions, aimed at weakening competitors' resistance and consolidating their own hold on the market.

By filing patents on genetics formerly considered traditional knowledge or collective heritage, Monsanto has increased its ability to monopolize and control the cannabis industry. This monopolization not only threatens genetic diversity and cannabis culture, but it also raises concerns about equitable access to genetic resources for future researchers and producers..

In conclusion, Monsanto's entry into the cannabis industry represents a worrying paradigm shift. By transforming cannabis into a commodity subject to patents and rigorous genetic surveillance, Monsanto has set the stage for an era where privacy and biological diversity are compromised for economic gain. For advocates of autonomy and diversity, it is crucial to closely monitor the evolution of these practices and advocate for balanced regulation that protects the interests of all players in this rapidly expanding industry.

Entreprise en collaboration direct avec Bayer/Mosanto

GW Pharmaceuticals : This company is known for its development of cannabis-based medicines. It specializes in the research and development of pharmaceutical treatments based on cannabinoids. GW Pharmaceuticals is not directly affiliated with Bayer or Monsanto but works together on genetic control as well as the DEA.

Hortapharm : Founded by David Watson, Hortapharm is a Dutch company known for its work in the field of cannabis genetics. She was involved in the development of some popular varieties. Hortapharm is directly affiliated with GW and is therefore in collaboration with Bayer or Monsanto.

General Hydroponics Europe (GHE) : GHE is a company specializing in hydroponic nutrients and growing systems. It provides solutions for indoor cultivation, including in the field of cannabis. GHE was bought by The Scotts Miracle-Gro which has a direct link with Mosanto and Bayer.

Here is the most complete list that I have managed to make of companies linked to Bayer / Monsanto

Affiliated with Monsanto/Bayer :

1. The Climate Corporation - Digital solutions for precision agriculture.
2. Seminis - Vegetable seeds.
3. Beeologics - Bee health research.
4. Precision Planting - Technologies for crop management.
5. De Ruiter Seeds - Special crop seeds (tomatoes, cucumbers).
6. Monsanto Vegetable Seeds - Vegetable seeds.
7. Monsanto BioAg - Microbial solutions for agriculture.

In collaboration with Monsanto / Bayer :

1. Ginkgo Bioworks - Agricultural biotechnology.
2. Pairwise - Plant genetic modification.
3. Novozymes - Enzymes and microbial solutions.
4. Calyxt - Biotechnology for genetic modification of plants.
5. Cibus - Precise genetic modification of plants.

Avec les mêmes actionnaires :

1. Syngenta - Agrochemicals and seeds.
2. ChemChina - Syngenta shareholder.
3. Corteva Agriscience - Seeds and Agricultural Chemicals (formerly DowDuPont).
4. FMC Corporation - Agricultural and crop protection chemicals.
5. Sumitomo Chemical - Agricultural chemicals.

With the same objectives:

1. BASF - Chemicals and biotechnology for agriculture.
2. Dow Chemical Company - Chemicals and Materials, former entity before merger with DuPont.
3. DuPont Pioneer - Seeds and Agricultural Technologies (now part of Corteva).
4. Bayer Crop Science - Agrochemicals and seeds (after acquisition of Monsanto).
5. Sumitomo Chemical - Agricultural chemicals.
6. Mitsui & Co. - Investments in agri-food and natural resources.

Other notable companies in the agricultural and agri-food sector

1. Cargill - Agri-food and agricultural raw materials.
2. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) - Processing and distribution of agricultural and food products.
3. Mars, Incorporated - Food, chocolates, and animal care products.
4. Nestlé - Food and drinks, nutrition and health.
5. Unilever - Food, personal care and cleaning products.
6. Tyson Foods - Meat and food products.
7. Danone - Dairy products and food.
8. General Mills - Food and consumer products.
9. Kellogg Company - Cereals and snacks.
10. Mondelēz International - Snacks and sweets.
11. PepsiCo - Drinks and snacks.
12. The Coca-Cola Company - Soft drink.
13. Kraft Heinz Company - Food and drinks.
14. Campbell Soup Company - Soups and snacks.
15. Smithfield Foods - Pork and food products.
16. Grupo Bimbo - Bakery and baked goods.
17. Suntory - Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
18. Heineken - Beer and drinks.
19. AB InBev - Brewery and drinks.

This list covers a wide range of influential companies in agriculture, agricultural biotechnology, and the food and beverage sector, reflecting diverse relationships and connections in the industry.

expanded list of companies that have worked on projects with Bayer (formerly Monsanto) or had significant collaborations

1. Ginkgo Bioworks - Biotechnology agricole.
2. Pairwise - Plant genetic modification.
3. Novozymes - Enzymes and microbial solutions.
4. Calyxt - Biotechnology for genetic modification of plants.
5. Cibus - Precise genetic modification of plants.
6. BASF - Chemicals and biotechnology for agriculture.
7. Syngenta - Agrochemicals and seeds.
8. ChemChina - Syngenta shareholder.
9. Corteva Agriscience - Seeds and Agricultural Chemicals (formerly DowDuPont).
10. FMC Corporation - Agricultural and crop protection chemicals.
11. Sumitomo Chemical - Agricultural chemicals.
12. Mitsui & Co. - Investments in agri-food and natural resources.
13. The Climate Corporation - Digital solutions for precision agriculture.
14. Precision Planting - Technologies for crop management.
15. De Ruiter Seeds - Special crop seeds (tomatoes, cucumbers).
16. Hortapharm - Medical cannabis research and development.
17. GW Pharmaceuticals (now part of Jazz Pharmaceuticals) - Development of cannabis-based medicines.
18. Bayer Crop Science - Agrochemicals and seeds (after acquisition of Monsanto).
19. Bayer Pharmaceutical Division - Pharmaceutical and health product development.
20. Monsanto BioAg - Microbial solutions for agriculture.
21. Bayer Animal Health - Animal health products.
22. Intrexon - Biotechnology and genetics.
23. Evogene - Plant biotechnology.
24. Arcadia Biosciences - Agricultural biotechnology.
25. Verdeca (joint venture between Arcadia Biosciences and Bioceres) - Biotechnology for genetically modified crops.
26. AgBiome - Microbiome-based agricultural research.
27. Benson Hill Biosystems - Agricultural biotechnology and genetics.
28. Indigo Agriculture - Agricultural solutions based on soil microbiology.
29. Pivot Bio - Biotechnology for microbial fertilizers.
30. Apeel Sciences - Coating solutions to extend the shelf life of agricultural products.

This list includes a wide range of companies that have collaborated or worked on projects with Bayer or Monsanto in various fields related to agriculture, biotechnology, and the health sector.