Recently, on September 26, 2017, during a trial in Minnesota state court, a potential settlement of the Syngenta MIR 162 Corn Litigation was announced. The litigation stems from Syngenta’s decision to commercialize a genetically modified strain of corn before China approved it. When Chinese officials began refusing U.S. corn shipments in approximately 2013, corn prices plummeted causing catastrophic damage to the corn farmers. Specifically, the farmers argue that Syngenta rushed its GMO seed to market and provided misleading statements about when the GMO seeds were to be approved by China. The subsequent rejection of U.S. corn shipments depressed corn prices for years as China continued to buy from other countries.
The settlement, which is subject to court approval, would establish a settlement fund for the submission of claims by eligible claimants who contracted to price corn or corn by-products after September 15, 2013. Information concerning the settlement fund, claims process and other details will become available after the parties execute and submit the proposed settlement agreement to the Court.
How We Can Help:
If you are a corn producer, including a farmer or crop-share landlord, on government Farm Service Agency Form 578 and you priced at least one bushel of corn after September 15, 2013, you may be entitled to a recovery. We are happy to discuss your potential claim, the litigation, and the pending settlement with you. Attorney Pamela A. Borgess, the founder of Borgess Law, LLC, is an experienced trial attorney who focuses on civil litigation, including Syngenta corn cases. To speak with Attorney Borgess, call Borgess Law at (567) 455-5955 or toll-free at (844) LAW-9144. You can also contact Borgess Law by submitting an online inquiry. Borgess Law never charges for initial consultations.