Grim reaper
Article Abstract:
Monsanto's chief executive, Robert Shapiro, aims to develop new crops and drugs using advances in genetics research. He favors sustainable development and corporate responsibility, yet the company has faced opposition from activists, and the products have been rejected in Europe. The company's agribusiness activies will be separate from the new firm to be created from the merger with Pharmacia and Upjohn, and could be sold. Shapiro will be non-executive chairman. A previous plan to merge with American Home Products failed, and moves to buy seed companies have led to a rise in debt, but the company has also failed to market its ideas to a wider public.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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Fertility rights
Article Abstract:
Monsanto is to acquire seed sterility technology, and has promised not to commercialize this. There have been protests due to fears of the impact of commercialization of such technology. Farmers have to buy seeds if this technology is used, since they cannot retain seed to plant again. Farmers in developed economies usually do buy new seed every season, but this is not the case for less developed economies where farmers are poorer. Molecular switching is a technology that is being used by a number of agri-biotechnology companies, such as Zeneca, which aims to control maize fertilization in this way.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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The green gene giant
Article Abstract:
Monsanto CEO Robert Shapiro hopes to recreate Monsanto Co. as a leader in the field of agricultural biotechnology. Monsanto has developed genetically altered seeds for cotton, strawberries, soyabeans and several other crops. As population increases, Shapiro feels demand for genetically altered seeds will increase.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1997
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