Dow, a major ag chemical company, is selling part of its herbicide business to Gowan Co. amid continued talk of consolidation in the sector, says Agrimoney. “The deal will include the trademark for Treflan, an herbicide that is used on field corn, cotton, and some fruits and vegetables.” Sales of Dow seeds and chemicals are down in a reflection of lower commodity prices and belt-tightening by farmers. “The company is reported to have already been involved in talks over the possible sale of the entire segment, just one of a slew of merger and acquisition rumors circulating in the ag-chemical sector,” said Agrimoney, based in London.
Monsanto, which unsuccessfully sought to merge with Syngenta, told the Associated Press that it intends to become carbon-neutral by 2021. The company’s plan includes working with farmers who use Monsanto’s seeds and pesticides to reduce carbon emissions on the farm, said AP. Steps could include wider use of cover crops during fallow seasons and adoption of conservation tillage.