A federal jury in Kansas has awarded nearly $218 million to farmers in a lawsuit against seed giant Syngenta.
The case involves two Syngenta seeds containing new genetically-engineered traits. They were sold in 2013, after they were approved by U.S. regulators. But China, a major importer of U.S. corn, had not yet signed off and rejected shipments of corn that contained the new traits.
Farmers blamed Syngenta for releasing seeds that couldn’t be exported globally and maintain they lost up to $5 billion because of China’s decision. The 8-person jury in Kansas agreed, setting the stage for dozens of additional lawsuits involving farmers nationwide. Syngenta plans to appeal.