Monsanto Company, founded in 1901 and based in St. Louis, is a leading multinational agricultural biotechnology company that provides a range of agricultural products to farmers globally. It operates primarily in two segments: Seeds and Genomics, and Agricultural Productivity. The Seeds and Genomics segment produces various crop seeds, including corn, soybean, cotton, and canola, marketed under brands such as DEKALB, Asgrow, and Seminis. This segment also develops biotechnology traits to assist farmers in managing pests and weeds. The Agricultural Productivity segment manufactures herbicides, including the widely known Roundup brand, for agricultural and residential use. Monsanto markets its products through a network of distributors, independent retailers, agricultural cooperatives, and directly to farmers. In addition to its own brands, it licenses germplasm and trait technologies to other seed companies. In 2019, Bayer completed its acquisition of Monsanto, enhancing its agricultural portfolio and research capabilities.
Divergence is a research and development company dedicated to the discovery of effective and ecologically sound strategies for the control of parasites and other pests. The Company's initial focus is on parasitic nematodes, one of the world's major pest groups. Nematodes are roundworms that cause billions of dollars in damage annually to numerous crops, including soybeans, corn, cotton, strawberries, and bananas. Nematodes causing important human diseases include hookworm, whipworm, roundworm (Ascaris), and the filarial worms responsible for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
Chesterfield Village Research Center
Acquisition in 2009
Chesterfield Village Research Center comprises 1.3 million square feet area and includes approximately 250 laboratories, 122 plant growth chambers, and 2 acres of greenhouse. The center offers bio-therapeutic pharmaceutical research and is located in Chesterfield, Missouri.
Seminis is the largest developer, producer and marketer of vegetable and fruit seeds in the world. Seminis uses seeds as the delivery vehicle for innovative agricultural technology.