Delta & Pine Land Company of Mississippi
Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile2 entries
1998
Terminator seed technology controversy
D&PL and the U.S. Department of Agriculture developed and patented a genetic system intended to make second-generation seed sterile unless treated with a proprietary spray. Supporters presented it as a way to protect intellectual property and control the spread of genetically modified traits. Critics argued that it threatened farmers’ ability to save seed, could reduce biodiversity, and would increase private control over food-crop genetics.
1936
Federal agricultural benefit controversy
D&PL drew congressional criticism after receiving substantial Agricultural Adjustment Administration benefit payments while company president Oscar Goodbar Johnston also held a senior role connected with the agency. The episode prompted scrutiny of conflicts of interest and contributed to changes in how federal agricultural payments were disclosed and administered.