Monsanto

Monsanto

Type	Subsidiary
Key people	Hugh Grant (former CEO)
Industry	Agriculture
Products	GMOs, herbicides

Monsanto was an American agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation founded in 1901. It was headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Monsanto was a leading producer of genetically engineered seeds and glyphosate-based herbicides, notably Roundup.

History

Monsanto was founded in 1901 by John Francis Queeny. The company initially produced saccharin, an artificial sweetener. Over the years, Monsanto expanded its product line to include a variety of chemicals and agricultural products.

In the 1970s, Monsanto began to focus on biotechnology, leading to the development of genetically modified seeds. These seeds were engineered to be resistant to pests and herbicides, which increased crop yields and reduced the need for chemical applications.

In 2018, Monsanto was acquired by the German pharmaceutical and life sciences company Bayer.

Products

Monsanto was known for its development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The company's GMO seeds were designed to improve agricultural productivity and food security.

Herbicides

Monsanto's most famous product was Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide used to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds and grasses that compete with crops.

Genetically Modified Seeds

Monsanto developed several genetically modified seeds, including Roundup Ready seeds, which are resistant to glyphosate. This allowed farmers to apply the herbicide without damaging their crops.

Controversies

Monsanto was involved in numerous controversies, particularly regarding the safety and environmental impact of its products. Critics raised concerns about the potential health risks of GMOs and the environmental effects of glyphosate.

Acquisition by Bayer

In 2018, Bayer completed its acquisition of Monsanto for $63 billion. The merger created one of the largest agricultural companies in the world, combining Bayer's crop science division with Monsanto's expertise in seeds and biotechnology.

See also

• Genetically modified food
• Biotechnology
• Agricultural technology

References

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External links

• [Official website of Bayer Crop Science](https://www.cropscience.bayer.com/)

Monsanto gallery

• Monsanto logo
  Monsanto logo