Announcement

Gray Ritter Graham Investigating Possible Litigation over Syngenta's Genetically Modified Corn

CornGray Ritter Graham is investigating possibleclass action litigation on behalf of U.S. corn growers against Syngenta regarding its Agrisure Viptera and Agrisure Duracade corn varieties. These varieties have been approved for cultivation in the United States but not for import to China, one of the largest importers of U.S. corn. The firm's investigation indicates that beginning in November 2013, China began rejecting shipments of U.S. corn, and is still doing so today, after a genetic trait found in Viptera - MIR162 - was detected in the shipments. The grain exporter Cargill is suing Syngenta for more than $90 million after the genetically modified corn was found on Cargill's vessels. Trans Coastal, another large grain exporter, also has sued Syngenta over financial losses it incurred when China refused its corn and for the loss of the Chinese market for dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS). The firm's investigation indicates that Syngenta knew China had not approved the corn varieties when Syngenta introduced them to the U.S., and knew there was a substantial risk China would not approve them on a timely basis, if at all. In addition, Syngenta apparently not only continued selling Viptera after China rejected U.S. shipments, it also introduced Duracade.

This case appears similar to litigation that resulted in a $750 million settlement with Bayer Cropscience on behalf of U.S. rice farmers after the company's genetically modified rice was found in U.S. rice supplies and the European Union refused U.S. rice shipments. Gray Ritter Graham attorney Don Downing was co-lead counsel in that multidistrict litigation and led negotiations on behalf of the U.S. rice farmers.

Corn farmers interested in keeping posted on Gray Ritter Graham's ongoing investigation should contact the firm by calling 314-241-5620 or toll free at 800-451-2950. You may also email Tina Williams at twilliams@grgpc.com.

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