Joseph R. Saveri, a partner with the law firm of Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, announced today that his firm has taken a leading role in the prosecution of a class action on behalf of farmers and consumers in the United States and abroad against the Monsanto Company.

The suit, filed yesterday in United States District Court in Washington, D.C., alleges that Monsanto, together with other life sciences companies, formed a global cartel through which they have fixed prices on genetically modified ("GM'') seeds, and conspired to restrain trade in the GM corn and soybean seed markets.

The complaint further alleges that Monsanto failed to adequately test GM seeds and crops for
human health and environmental safety prior to marketing them, thereby causing a collapse in
international consumer and regulatory confidence in GM food products. The complaint also alleges that Monsanto and the cartel made deceptive statements or omissions concerning the testing and approval of GM foods and crops.

"Plaintiffs assert that Monsanto has sought and acquired the power to control a substantial portion of the world's bio-engineered seed supply,'' stated Saveri.

"Through this litigation, plaintiffs seek to establish landmark precedents in the field of
bio-engineered food products. Plaintiffs seek to halt further alleged economic losses for farmers and to require adequate testing to ensure genetically-altered crops are safe for human health and the environment.''

The complaint raises not only traditional antitrust claims, but also novel claims under international
law for: 1) abusive and restrictive business practices adversely affecting international trade; and 2)
failing to adequately test GM seeds and crops before releasing them into the global food supply and environment.

Plaintiffs seek relief in the form of treble damages for violations of U.S. antitrust law, compensatory and punitive damages, and injunctive relief prohibiting Monsanto's alleged anticompetitive behavior. Plaintiffs also ask the Court to mandate adequate testing of GM seeds and crops, subject to independent scientific review and disclosure to the public.

Lieff, Cabraser is pursuing this action together with a coalition of the nation's leading class action
law firms.

Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP is a forty-two attorney firm that represents plaintiffs in class and group actions in federal and state courts throughout the United States. LCHB has offices in San Francisco, California and New York, New York. Typical claims in LCBH cases involve dangerous or defective products, consumer fraud, unlawful employment practices, environmental damage, securities and investment fraud, and antitrust violations. LCBH represents individuals in their own lawsuits in cases of serious damage or injury. LCBH's clients also include corporations and small business owners who seek to halt anti-competitive activities by large corporations.

Company news release
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