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NFU joined by groups opposing Dow and DuPont merger

The National Farmers Union, the American Antitrust Institute and Food & Water Watch want the U.S. Justice Department to stop the proposed merger of Dow Chemical and DuPont.

In a letter to the department, the groups say the proposed merger would create the largest biotechnology and seed firm in the U.S.  They say the deal would further consolidate an already concentrated biotechnology industry.  They fear it may curtail innovation, raise prices, and reduce choices for farmers, consumers and the food system.

The three groups’ primary concern is the elimination of head-to-head competition in the corn and soybean markets resulting in a company that’s hard for smaller biotechnology rivals to compete with.

The groups’ say current mergers being considered, including Dow-DuPont, ChemChina-Syngenta, and Bayer-Monsanto, should raise antitrust concerns.