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Nearly All U.S. Corn Is Genetically Modified as Seed Giants Guard Patent Details

The USDA reports that 92% of corn grown in the United States is genetically modified, while the companies that own the patents keep the specific modifications confidential.

According to USDA data, genetically modified corn accounts for 92% of U.S. production. The firms holding the related patents refuse to disclose the exact genetic changes, aiming to protect their market position after patent expiration. Four corporations dominate more than half of the global commercial seed market, and Bayer together with Corteva Agriscience own 85% of the corn-related intellectual property in the United States.

Why it matters

It shows how a few companies dominate U.S. corn production and keep genetic details hidden, affecting farmers, consumers, and competition.

In this story

genetically modified cornUSDAseed patentsBayerCorteva Agriscienceagricultural biotechmarket concentration
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