Seed Money

This book offers a comprehensive history of Monsanto, detailing its rise as a dominant force in the agricultural industry and its controversial practices.

In Seed Money, award-winning historian Bartow J. Elmore presents a meticulously researched account of Monsanto's rise to power within the global food system. This compelling narrative delves into the company's transformation from a modest chemical startup in St. Louis to the world’s leading genetically engineered seed enterprise. Through extensive fieldwork, interviews with former employees, and access to previously untapped corporate and government records, Elmore paints a vivid picture of how Monsanto's innovations, particularly the introduction of Roundup Ready seeds, have profoundly influenced modern agriculture over the past twenty-five years.

Elmore explores the strategic partnerships that propelled Monsanto to the forefront of agribusiness, including lucrative deals with major corporations like Coca-Cola and General Electric, as well as significant relationships with the US government. The author reveals how the company leveraged initial funding from toxic products, such as PCBs and Agent Orange, to build an agricultural empire that promised unprecedented yields through genetically engineered technology. This history is not just about business success; it raises critical questions about the ethical implications of such practices.

As Bayer, which merged with Monsanto in 2018, grapples with a growing number of lawsuits related to its products, Seed Money provides an urgent examination of the company's legacy. Elmore's work serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the complex interplay between innovation, corporate power, and the impact on our food systems.