Monsanto, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is an American multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation. Founded in 1901 by John F.

Queeny, the company was originally a chemical business that produced saccharin, a sugar substitute. It later expanded into agriculture, particularly with the introduction of agrochemicals like herbicides and insecticides. In the mid-20th century, Monsanto began focusing on agricultural biotechnology.

It pioneered the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and introduced the first GM seed, Roundup Ready soybeans, in the early 1990s. This breakthrough allowed farmers to use Monsanto's herbicide, Roundup, without harming their crops. Over the years, Monsanto has expanded its GM seed portfolio, including genetically modified corn, cotton, and other crops.

On a global scale, Monsanto operates in more than 40 countries, with production facilities and research centers located worldwide. The company has several noteworthy subsidiaries, including The Climate Corporation, a digital farming platform, and Seminis, a leading vegetable seed producer. Monsanto's market position is significant as it is one of the largest players in the agricultural biotechnology industry.

It has faced criticism and controversies surrounding its GMOs, most notably for their environmental impact and effects on human health. Despite this, the company has maintained its position as a market leader due to its extensive seed portfolio and herbicide products. In 2018, Monsanto was acquired by Bayer AG, a German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company.

The acquisition resulted in the creation of a new entity called Bayer Crop Science, which integrated Monsanto's operations into Bayer's agricultural division. Since the acquisition, the Monsanto brand has been phased out, and the company now operates under the Bayer Crop Science name. This transition reflects Bayer's commitment to combining its expertise in pharmaceuticals and chemicals with Monsanto's agricultural capabilities.

In conclusion, Monsanto, now part of Bayer Crop Science, was a prominent American multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation. It played a significant role in the development of GMOs and herbicides, dominating the global market in the industry. However, following its acquisition by Bayer AG, the Monsanto brand has been retired, marking a new era for the company under the name Bayer Crop Science