The merger between Bayer and Monsanto

The merger between Bayer and Monsanto would result in a market concentration and concentration of power in the agricultural sector. Just a few corporations will then decide how we live, work and what we eat. This is why we think the merger is dangerous – for our democracy and for our food system! because just a few corporations will then decide how we live, work and eat. 

The negative impacts of this agribusiness on people and the environment are already obvious, especially in the countries of the Global South. Yet for many years lots of small-scale farmers all over the world have shown that there are workable alternatives in farming. Their methods are democratic, socially aware, suited to local conditions and environmentally sound. Not only that: they can tackle the hunger in the world, too!

Sources: International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge,Science and Technology for Development, IAASTD (2008): Agriculture at a Crossroads; FAO (2015)

Sources: ETC group (2009): Who will feed us? Questions about the food and climate crisis 

Sources: FAO (2015): Infographic: Genetic resources for food and agriculture; FAO (2012): Factsheet: Smallholders and Family Farmers.

Sources: Oxfam Germany (2016): Böcke zu Gärtnern; MISEREOR (2015): Impacts of large-scale agricultural investments on small-scale farmers in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.