Bayer Accused of Illegal Monopolization of Corn Seed Input (1)

Bayer AG was sued in federal court by a company that claims the German agricultural giant’s restrictive agreements allowed it to corner the market for hybrid corn seed containing genetically engineered traits.

Latham Quality Inc. alleges that Bayer’s conduct harmed it and other independent seed companies, as well as corn and soybean growers throughout the US, in a proposed class action made public Tuesday in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Bayer affiliates including Bayer CropScience LLC, Channel Bio LLC, and Monsanto Co. are also named defendants.

Latham is a family-owned independent seed company in Iowa ...