June 26, 2017 — Switzerland-based Syngenta AG has been ordered to pay $218 million to 7,000 corn farmers in Kansas who lost money as a result of genetically-modified (GMO) corn.
Lawyers estimate the corn industry lost $5.77 billion after China rejected all imports of U.S. corn after it tested positive for Syngenta’s insect-resistant GMO corn seed, Viptera MIR162.
The verdict in favor of Kansas corn farmers was the first of several state class actions to go to trial. Lawsuits have also been filed on behalf of farmers in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota, with other state class actions awaiting certification.
According to lawyers who obtained the Kansas award:
“The verdict is great news for corn farmers in Kansas and corn growers throughout the country who were seriously hurt by Syngenta’s actions. This is only the beginning. We look forward to pursuing justice for thousands more corn farmers in the months ahead.”
Syngenta began commercializing GMO corn in the U.S. in 2010 before it was approved in China. At the time, China was the 3rd-largest customer for U.S. corn. Syngenta also filed lawsuits against U.S. grain elevators who refused to take the controversial GMO corn. The result was cross-contamination of most American corn.
Corn prices are still down about 20% on average in the U.S. since China banned corn imports in November 2013. China eventually lifted the ban on Viptera, but still bans Syngenta’s Duracade GMO corn.
Class action lawsuits against Syngenta have been centralized in the District of Kansas in a federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL No. 2591) — In Re: Syngenta AG MIR 162 Corn Litigation — Case No. 14-md-02591.
Do I have a GMO Corn Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting GMO corn induced economic loss cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know lost money as a result of Syngenta, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Class Action Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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