Pesticide manufacturers Syngenta and Corteva are confronting class certification motions from farmers seeking over $2 billion in damages. The farmers allege that the companies’ rebate programs paid distributors to limit the sale of cheaper generic pesticides, thereby inflating prices.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with attorneys general from ten states, filed a complaint in September 2022 against Syngenta and Corteva. The complaint alleges that the companies’ “loyalty programs” paid distributors to restrict purchases of generic pesticides, maintaining high prices and limiting competition. The FTC’s complaint seeks to end these programs and restore competition in the market. ([ftc.gov](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/09/ftc-state-partners-sue-pesticide-giants-syngenta-corteva-using-illegal-pay-block-scheme-inflate?utm_source=openai))
In January 2025, a federal judge allowed an antitrust lawsuit filed by Arkansas against Syngenta and Corteva to proceed. The state alleges that the companies’ loyalty programs violated antitrust laws by making it difficult for generic pesticides to compete, resulting in higher prices for farmers. ([ajs.org](https://www.ajs.org/federal-judge-allows-arkansas-antitrust-lawsuit-against-syngenta-and-corteva-to-proceed/?utm_source=openai))
The farmers’ class action lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, claims that Syngenta and Corteva’s loyalty programs have caused them to pay approximately 40% higher prices for certain crop protection products than they would have in a competitive market. The lawsuit seeks damages and injunctive relief under federal and state antitrust laws. ([dtnpf.com](https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/crops/article/2025/08/21/court-farms-can-pursue-claims?utm_source=openai))
Syngenta and Corteva have denied the allegations, stating that their rebate programs are standard industry practices designed to promote their products. They argue that these programs do not violate antitrust laws and that they compete fairly in the market.
The outcome of these legal proceedings could have significant implications for the agricultural industry, potentially affecting the pricing and availability of crop protection products for farmers nationwide.