GMO Corn Lawsuits

Are you a corn farmer? Have you lost money due to falling corn prices? Attorneys at Simmons Hanly Conroy are currently investigating the legal rights of farmers and businesses in the corn industry who may have been harmed by China’s rejection of corn and DDGS shipments that contained traces of Syngenta’s Agrisure Viptera MIR 162 corn. Such individuals may be eligible to file GMO corn lawsuits.

Simmons Hanly Conroy is no longer accepting GMO corn lawsuit cases.

Syngenta Releases Genetically Modified Corn without China Approval

In 2009-2010, Syngenta released a genetically modified corn seed, Agrisure Viptera®, into the U.S. market. Viptera® contains a genetic trait referred to as MIR 162 that was not approved for import by China then and still has not yet received approval.

Despite not having approval, Syngenta made statements that approval in China was imminent. For example, during Syngenta’s first quarter 2012 earnings conference call, Syngenta CEO Michael Mack stated, “[t]here isn’t outstanding approval for China, which we expect to have quite frankly within the matter of a couple days … we know of no issue with that whatsoever….” (From Transcript of Syngenta’s First Quarter 2012 Earning Conference Call Transcript.)

Genetically-Modified Corn Contamination Costs U.S. Corn Industry Billions

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) released an estimate in April 2014 stating that China’s decision to reject U.S. corn and DDGS shipments as a result of Syngenta’s Agrisure Viptera MIR 162 corn has resulted in $2.9 billion in losses to U.S. corn, DDGS and soy sectors. This dramatically impacted the profitability of corn farmers and exporters alike, resulting in a Syngenta corn lawsuit.

In addition, the NGFA predicted that during the 2014-2015 marketing year that began on Sept. 1, 2014, the U.S. corn farming industry could suffer additional economic impact up to $3.4 billion.

Read the Full Statement

Syngenta Releases Second-Generation MIR 162 Product, Agrisure Duracade™ for 2014 Planting Season

Despite the problems Viptera® corn has caused the U.S. corn market, Syngenta launched another MIR 162 product, Duracade™ corn, which is also not approved by China. The release of Duracade™ will likely continue the cycle of harm to corn and DDGS prices that Viptera® caused. NGFA, which represents companies handling almost three-quarters of U.S. grains, expects Duracade™ to also cause similar disruptions in the corn market because the genetically-modified corn product has not yet been approved in China and other U.S. corn export markets.

Corn Exporters May File Lawsuits against Syngenta for MIR 162 GMO Trait

In addition to corn farmers, corn and DDGS exporters and businesses involved in the grain market have also reported losses due to China’s rejection of corn ships containing elements of Viptera® corn.

Companies have turned to Viptera® corn attorneys and filed lawsuits against Syngenta alleging the global seed company is responsible for the damages caused to corn prices due to the rejection of corn and DDGS shipments by China.

Learn More About Syngenta Lawsuits
Syngenta Releases Second-Generation MIR 162 Product, Agrisure Duracade™ for 2014 Planting Season background image
Companies currently suing Syngenta over China’s rejection of corn include: background image

Companies currently suing Syngenta over China’s rejection of corn include:

  • Archer Daniels Midland (grain trader and processor)
  • Cargill Inc. (commodities trader/grain shipper)
  • Trans Coastal Supply Co. (grain exporter)

Simmons Hanly Conroy and our Viptera® corn attorneys are currently investigating the legal rights of other grain industry businesses who may have experienced financial harm because of Syngenta’s Viptera® and Duracade™ corn seed. Below is a list of business types in the grain industry who may have been harmed by Syngenta’s Viptera® and Duracade™ corn seed and be eligible to file a GMO corn lawsuit.

  • Grain trader or broker
  • Grain exporter
  • Grain processor
    • Corn processing plants
    • Corn processing facilities
    • Coarse grain processing plants
  • Grain elevator
    • Country elevator
    • Terminal elevators, export type
    • Terminal elevators, inland type
  • Grain milling industry
    • Wet corn millers
    • Dry corn millers
    • Dry-mill ethanol producers
    • Animal feed mills
  • Corn transportation companies
    • Railroads
    • Trucking companies
    • Shipping companies
    • Barge companies 
Simmons Support Team
Simmons Hanly ConroyWritten by:

Editorial Team

The Simmons Hanly Conroy Editorial Team consists of journalists, writers and editors who strive to deliver accurate and useful information to families needing legal help. Our team works alongside the firm's attorneys and partners, as well as with medical professionals and other specialists, to keep all information relevant and helpful.