Environmental groups are calling for a national reduction in agricultural chemical use as pesticides are increasingly being tied to childhood illnesses such as cancer, autism, and developmental disabilities. Meanwhile, the crops chemical industry is undergoing an unprecedented wave of consolidation, and as a result, increasing chemical pollution worldwide.
DuPont, the second largest seed company, recently merged with Dow Chemical, the second largest chemical company. The $130 billion deal, which formed DowDuPont, is expected to increase seed prices, as well as give farmers fewer choices when it comes to buying corn and soybean seed, said Chuck Benbrook, an agricultural consultant and former research professor, writing for the Des Moines Register.
