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German chemicals and pharmaceuticals giant Bayer said Tuesday that US seeds and pesticides maker Monsanto, which it bought last year, kept lists of key pro- or anti-pesticides figures in at least seven EU countries. On behalf of Monsanto, PR agency FleishmanHMonsanto kept 'watch lists' in seven EU countries
German chemicals and pharmaceuticals giant Bayer said Tuesday that US seeds and pesticides maker Monsanto, which it bought last year, kept lists of key pro- or anti-pesticides figures in at least seven EU countries. On behalf of Monsanto, PR agency FleishmanHillard «drew up lists of stakeholders in France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain and United Kingdom, as well as regarding stakeholders related to EU institutions,» Bayer said in a statement. The group had promised transparency over the lists earlier this month, after a French television channel revealed the existence in France of files on prominent backers and opponents of pesticides and genetically modified crops. «The lists primarily include journalists, politicians and other interest groups,» Bayer said. Elected officials and media in France and beyond immediately cried foul over the affair, prompting Bayer to apologise. The Leverkusen-based group said Tuesday it had hired law firm Sidley Austin to investigate the lists and to determine whether they extended to other countries. Its lawyers will also contact the individuals named to inform them what data FleishmanHillard collected on them, Bayer said, starting... Read more