In the very early 90’s and in early 2000, came another change; this time in the form of divestiture, spin-off and recombination’s of the remaining multinational ag companies. Once again, it was fashionable to be independent, family operated, and profitable. Those major seed companies now acquired by the multinationals earned their place in the sun by being profitable. Management saw to it that their seed subsidiaries increased their gross margins and bottom lines. The surviving independents were laughing again, all the way to their country banks. Their market shares had increased at the expense of their big brothers who now number just six or seven, down from 35 in the seventies.

Once again, in early 2002, industry leaders are again asking themselves "what’s the next big change?" and "how can we prepare our company?" If one is to judge the future by the past, I believe we will be revisiting the acquisition binge once more. The powerful science of plant biotechnology is gaining momentum. This technology is almost entirely in the hands of the six multinationals that are leading the science charge. The multi million-dollar annual research investment by these firms ultimately needs to be recouped. I expect they need to have control of the distribution of the technology envelope, in the form of seed. To deny this is to deny the history, power and success of multinationals’ activities in other industries.