Story perspectives

Democrats Overlook Seed Patent Burden on Small Farmers

5/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Democratic leaders have largely ignored the financial strain that seed-patent enforcement places on small U.S. farmers.
Bayer, which bought Monsanto in 2018 for $66 billion, and Corteva Agriscience hold thousands of U.S. seed patents that force farmers to buy new seeds each season.
The patents are enforceable in the United States and Europe, tightening market concentration and prompting criticism of Democratic officials for not addressing the issue.

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Story summary

Democratic leaders have largely ignored the financial strain that seed-patent enforcement places on small U.S. farmers.
Bayer, which bought Monsanto in 2018 for $66 billion, and Corteva Agriscience hold thousands of U.S. seed patents that force farmers to buy new seeds each season.
The patents are enforceable in the United States and Europe, tightening market concentration and prompting criticism of Democratic officials for not addressing the issue.