Bayer Closes Monsanto Acquisition

It was announced in a release that Bayer had successfully completed the acquisition of Monsanto, but no branding changes will take place just yet. Monsanto will operate independently from Bayer for an interim period while Bayer completes the sale of some of its businesses to BASF. According to the conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Justice, the integration of Monsanto …

Canada Approves Bayer Acquisition of Monsanto, with Conditions

The Canadian Competition Bureau has officially approved Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto, with some conditions. The agreement addresses the Bureau’s concerns that the acquisition would have significantly harmed competition and innovation in Canada’s agricultural sector. Following a review of the sale, the Bureau concluded that the merger would substantially lessen and prevent competition in Canada with respect to the supply of …

U.S. Government to Spend $50 Million in Seed Quality

The U.S. is trailing China in federal ag research and seed-breeding investments. China has outspent the U.S. in those categories for the past ten years. To help combat the low spending, House Democrats Mark Pocan of Wisconsin and Darren Soto of Florida introduced the Seeds for the Future Act earlier this year. A Farm Journal report quotes a release from …

Exchanging Seeds at a Seed Library

Cathy Isom fills you in about how you can start a garden by exchanging seeds like library books. That story’s ahead on This Land of Ours. Exchanging Seeds at a Seed Library Whether or not your new to gardening or looking for a new way to grow your own flowers and produce – a seed library may be worth looking …

Discussing Industry Changes at ASTA Conference

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) wrapped up their annual Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference earlier this week in San Diego, California. AgNet Media’s Gary Cooper talked with Don Goodwin, owner of Golden Sun Marketing based in Minnesota, about some of the changes in the industry. Discussing Industry Changes at ASTA Conference Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay …

ASTA Supports USDA Action

Calls for Clarity on Plant Breeding Innovation Policy The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it was withdrawing its proposed rule to revise and update the agency’s biotechnology regulations for the purpose of soliciting additional stakeholder input. The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is encouraged that USDA is taking steps to consider …

Ireland Could be GMO-Free Haven

Ireland Minister of State for Agriculture Andrew Doyle says the island nation should have a status as GMO-free to maintain biodiversity. The Irish Times reports that the comments by Doyle were expressed as his personal opinion, and not that of the nation’s Agricultural and Food Development Authority, which takes the “follow the science” approach. Doyle claims the island could be …