ATTENTION CORN FARMERS: DID YOU PRODUCE CORN IN 2013 OR 2014? IF SO, CONTACT BIRD, STEVENS & BORGEN ABOUT A CLAIM AGAINST CORN-SEED GIANT SYNGENTA.
The Case
The case involves promises that Syngenta made that it did not keep. Specifically, in 2010-2012, Syngenta represented that one of its genetically-modified traits of corn (MIR 162) had been approved for export by major U.S. trading partners, such as China and the European Union. The trait had not been approved, and Chinese regulators destroyed or banned shipments in which MIR 162 was detected. As a result of decreased demand, the price of corn fell from $7.00 per bushel in June 2013 to $3.25 per bushel in June 2014. The National Grain and Feed Association estimates that Syngenta’s conduct caused damages to all corn farmers in excess of $5 billion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I have a claim?
A. If you produced corn in 2013 or 2014, you have a claim against Syngenta.
Q. How much do I have to pay to participate?
A. Nothing. The retainer contract between you and the attorneys handling this case is done on a contingent-fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we secure a recovery for you. The split is 60% for the farmer and 40% for the attorneys. The attorneys also pay the expenses, so your recovery will not be reduced by expenses out of your control. We do not initiate any charge backs. The court can order clients to participate in a common expense fund (often 1% or 2%), but that is out of our control. The common fund pays for common expenses, which benefit all farmers involved with our case.
Q. What will the time commitment look like?
A. The time commitment for you is minimal. Once you are signed up, we will need some basic information about your farming operation: (1) a copy of your crop insurance records to verify bushels and share for 2013 and 2014, (2) your FSA form 578 that proves the acres you planted, and (3) grain receipts from 2013 and 2014.
Q. If I sign up, can I back out?
A. Yes. The retainer contract allows us to pursue a claim on your behalf. If you are not satisfied with how we are managing your case, you can terminate the contract at no cost.
Q. How long will this case last?
A. Our team has settled large cases like this in as quickly as 18 months, but it is possible that it will take longer. We make no claims or guarantees that we will win this case, but we believe we are the strongest team and are in the best position to serve you.
Sign Up
To sign up, contact our office by phone at 507-282-1503 or by email at [email protected].
Still have questions? Come by one of our town hall meetings for more information. We will be talking about the Syngenta corn case at the following times and locations:
Tuesday, June 23, 2015:
8:30 a.m. Cannon Falls, MN – Country Kitchen
11:00 a.m. Zumbrota, MN – Covered Bridge Restaurant
2:00 p.m. Kasson, MN – AmericInn
5:00 p.m. Austin, MN – AmericInn
Wednesday, June 24, 2015:
8:30 a.m. Fountain, MN – Bent Wrench Grill
11:00 a.m. Houston, MN – American Legion
2:00 p.m. Winona, MN – Country Kitchen
5:00 p.m. Plainview, MN – Stumble Inn 2
You can also learn more by watching this informational YouTube video here.
