Seeds

Too Big to Control?

June 21st 2017The power of lobbies, Food and agriculture
Some of the world’s biggest companies producing chemicals for agricultural use, such as Bayer and Monsanto, are gearing up to join forces through mergers. This article exposes how the European Commission has consolidated its pro-merger track record over the past decades.
Blog post

Is the seed industry about to win a decisive victory in the battle over food chain control?

November 19th 2013The power of lobbies, Food and agriculture
One of the last hot topics in the European Parliament before the 2014 elections is a new set of rules on seeds marketing. This text is extremely important for all players in the food chain: seed savers, farmers and the seed industry of course, but also environmentalists, consumers and the agro-industry at large. The European Parliament has appointed a rapporteur on the issue, Italian MEP Sergio Silvestris (EPP) who is now co-hosting a dinner event with the European Seed Association (ESA), the seed industry's lobby group in Brussels.

Closing in on our seeds

June 5th 2013Food and agriculture
For the first time in their history, European institutions will reform the entire package of legislation related to seed marketing. Since seeds are the starting point for the whole human food chain, this is hugely significant. From the very start of the process this policy initiative has been an unique opportunity for large seed companies to reinforce their control over a commercial seed supply system that they already largely dominate.

 

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Blog post

Is the seed industry about to win a decisive victory in the battle over food chain control?

November 19th 2013The power of lobbies, Food and agriculture
One of the last hot topics in the European Parliament before the 2014 elections is a new set of rules on seeds marketing. This text is extremely important for all players in the food chain: seed savers, farmers and the seed industry of course, but also environmentalists, consumers and the agro-industry at large. The European Parliament has appointed a rapporteur on the issue, Italian MEP Sergio Silvestris (EPP) who is now co-hosting a dinner event with the European Seed Association (ESA), the seed industry's lobby group in Brussels.

Closing in on our seeds

June 5th 2013Food and agriculture
For the first time in their history, European institutions will reform the entire package of legislation related to seed marketing. Since seeds are the starting point for the whole human food chain, this is hugely significant. From the very start of the process this policy initiative has been an unique opportunity for large seed companies to reinforce their control over a commercial seed supply system that they already largely dominate.

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Press release

Food safety transparency: breakthrough vote in EU Parliament

December 11th 2018

Getting a good data transparency legislation for food safety in the EU is now within reach, following EU Parliament vote on General Food Law reform.

Copyright Directive: how competing big business lobbies drowned out critical voices

December 10th 2018The power of lobbies

Lobbying around the EU Copyright Directive has been intense: big-budget tech platforms led by Google as well as tech industry trade associations on one side, historically important collecting societies, the creative industries and publishers on the other. The interests and opinions of citizens have become sidelined in the resulting turmoil.

Jakub Patočka: It’s not just Babiš.

December 9th 2018EU in crisis

Czech journalist and Corporate Europe Observatory board member Jakub Patočka explains what the rise of oligarchs and the demise of democracy in Central and Eastern Europe have to do with EU funding.

The 'innovation principle' trap

December 5th 2018The power of lobbies, Environment

A seemingly innocent concept, the “innovation priniciple” has been invented by some of the dirtiest industries in Europe. They have carefully and strategically inserted it into the EU system, where it could have a significant impact on the shaping of new EU legislation or policies, and those under revision.