Monsanto's Position on Saved Seed

The development of new varieties and technologies enable producers to reduce loses from crop pests and bring about improved quality and yield characteristics.

The seed purchases made by you and your neighbors determine what plant breeding will be done for your needs. By respecting the laws and the property rights of your plant breeders and technology developers, you support research that benefits you. Without that support, farmers and agribusiness that depend on these new varieties and technologies will not be competitive. It is against U.S. patent law for farmers to save and replant biotech seed. Monsanto is vigorously pursuing growers who pirate any brand or variety of its genetically enhanced seed, such as Roundup Ready Soybeans, and Bollgard cotton. The company has hired five full-time investigators to follow up on seed saving leads that it receives. To date, Monsanto has had over 475 cases in the U.S. generated from over 1800 leads. More than 250 of these cases are under investigation in 20 states. Bollgard cotton and Roundup Ready are licensed trademarks of, and used under license from, Monsanto Company.