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Syngenta Corn Lawsuit FAQs

Q: How has Syngenta Viptera corn harmed the American corn market?

A: Viptera and Duracade corn itself is not problematic; many farmers chose to plant it because it promises resilience from common pests and thus higher yields. However, one of our nation’s major exporters of corn, China, has never approved the product and is categorically denying corn shipments that contain even trace elements of Viptera corn. Essentially losing a major export market and flooding the domestic market with extra product, the American corn industry has seen domestic corn prices fall by 11 cents per bushel and has sustained losses estimated at $1.14 billion. The National Grain & Feed Association (NGFA) projects losses for the coming season from Viptera corn to total approximately $3.4 billion.

Q: How long has China been denying shipments of corn because of the presence of MIR 162?

A: Export shipments of corn were first denied by China in November of 2013 upon testing positive for MIR 162. While only 3% of American agricultural fields were planted with Viptera and Duracade corn, contamination of the entire corn supply has been impossible to avoid. Farmers were encouraged to plant Viptera corn side-by-side with other corn (non-GMO strains and GMO strains that are accepted by our export markets), causing cross-pollination in the fields. Furthermore, through the distribution process, corn is comingled and mixed prior to shipment. Even a small trace of MIR 162 has resulted in the denial of entire corn shipments.

Q: What is MIR 162?

A: MIR 162 is a genetic modification designed to protect corn plants against common pests such as black cutworms and corn earworms. MIR 162 is characterized by the presence of a Vip toxin, which originates from the bacteria Bt. The Vip toxin causes cell death among the cells in the gut linings of particular pests, causing the gut to rupture and the insect to die. MIR 162 was approved for use in the United States in 2010, but has never been approved by China. The presence of the genetic trait MIR 162 in American corn is the cause of China’s refusal of corn exports.

Q: Who can make a Syngenta corn claim or file a Viptera lawsuit?

A: Anyone in the corn industry who has sustained losses as result of lower corn prices may be eligible to file a Syngenta corn claim. Specifically, independent farmers, large farms, grain elevators, distributors, and exporters all may qualify to file a Syngenta Viptera lawsuit. Farmers who planted Viptera corn and those who did not may have legal grounds to pursue litigation related to Viptera. The effect of MIR 162 has been widespread across the entire domestic corn market and is expected to continue to hamper American corn exports and domestic prices into the future.

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Q: Who is being most affected by Syngenta Viptera and Duracade corn?

A: Any farmer, distributor or exporter who has seen corn prices drop or been unable to export corn to China may have grounds for a Viptera corn lawsuit. Exporters whose corn shipments have been denied have lost significant revenue. Individual farmers who have been unable to sell their crop to exporters or whose yields have fetched lower prices per bushel may also qualify. The economic effects of MIR 162 in American corn have been widespread.

Q: Wasn’t China supposed to approve Viptera corn?

A: Syngenta AG, a Swiss agribusiness, promoted Viptera and Duracade corn seeds to American farmers with the claim that approval by China was imminent. MIR 162 was approved by the FDA in 2010 and was planted by farmers in 2011. China has never approved Viptera or Duracade, and instead has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for the product. Viptera corn lawsuits allege that Syngenta downplayed the importance of the Chinese export market, misleading farmers and ultimately causing a leading export market to collapse. Experts had projected China would continue to increase its purchase of American corn; instead, one estimate shows that U.S. corn exports to China have fallen by 85% this year.

Q: How much will it cost to file a Viptera & Duracade corn lawsuit?

A: We will represent all persons involved in a Syngenta Viptera corn lawsuit on a contingency basis, meaning there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. For a free no-obligation consultation please fill out our short online contact form and one of our attorneys handling Viptera lawsuits will contact you to answer any of your questions.

Q: How will a Syngenta class action lawsuit work?

A: Plaintiffs who have suffered common damages may join together through a Viptera corn lawsuit in order to seek compensation from a large entity such as a global agribusiness. Class action lawsuits speed the litigation process and leverage power.

Q: Who is eligible to join a Syngenta lawsuit?

A: To date, farmers in 11 states have filed Viptera class action lawsuits to recover losses related to Viptera corn and to demand Syngenta pull the seed from American markets. Any farmer who has been impacted by falling corn prices or the inability to sell MIR 162 corn may file a Viptera and Duracade lawsuit.

Q: We're not the type of people who sue; do we really need to file a lawsuit?

A: If your farm or your company has sustained economic losses as a result of Viptera corn, you will likely see the present situation continue into future years. Unless MIR 162 can be eradicated from the American corn supply – or China opts to accept the genetic modification – American farmers will be unable to sell corn to this major export market. Filing a Viptera corn lawsuit is the most effective means proponents of the corn industry, from small-scale farmers to large distribution companies and exporters, have to exert pressure over Syngenta. Viptera corn lawsuits and Duracade corn lawsuits can resultin economic compensation and may provide the leverage to demand MIR 162 corn seed be pulled from the American market. Unfortunately, in all too many cases it is only the fear of lawsuits and large settlements and verdicts that makes a company become a better corporate citizen.

Q: How much time do I have to file Syngenta Viptera or Syngenta Duracade lawsuit?

A: Most states have Viptera corn lawsuit time limits; however, the majority of all cases will fall within those time limits if a lawyer is contacted in the near future. For specific time limits for your claim, please fill out the form at right and one of our attorneys will contact you as quickly as possible, usually within the hour.

No Fees Unless We Collect for You - Contingency Representation for Syngenta Corn Lawsuits

The Onder Law Firm will represent all persons involved in a Syngenta lawsuit on a contingency basis, meaning there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. For a free no-obligation consultation please fill out our short online contact form or call us at 1-800-790-5698 and one of our attorneys handling Syngenta lawsuits will contact you to answer any of your questions.