Print This PagePolitical Disclosures
Monsanto is committed to participating constructively in the political process, as such participation is essential to the Company's long-term success. Federal trade, environmental, tax and patent laws and regulations directly affect Monsanto. As a company committed to bringing new, valuable technologies to farmers and to creating value for shareowners, it is essential that Monsanto be involved in the political process to educate policy makers regarding our industry's issues. We believe that well-informed decision-makers are the basis for good government.
The paragraphs below describe the decision making and corporate governance processes regarding political contributions made by Monsanto (the Monsanto Good Government Fund) and its political action committee (the Monsanto Citizenship Fund). State and local contributions information is found in the Related Resources box above.
The Monsanto Good Government Fund
Monsanto's participation in the political process includes contributions to political candidates in a manner that is compliant with all applicable laws and reporting requirements. Federal law prohibits corporations from making direct or indirect contributions to candidates or political parties at the federal level. The Company's political contributions at the state level are limited to those states where such contributions are permitted. Such contributions are based on advancing the best interests of Monsanto and its shareowners, including consideration of the Company's interests in the state, legislative activity in the state, Company facilities and employees in the state and local political factors.
Effective governance processes are in place to oversee political contributions made by the Company. The Company's board of directors created the Good Government Fund Advisory Panel (GGFAP) to oversee and guide the Company's political contributions in those states where contributions are permitted. The GGFAP's Operating Policies and Procedures (.pdf 17K) can be viewed by clicking on the link. Company contributions are approved in accordance with the GGFAP's Operating Policies and Procedures, reviewed by an external political compliance vendor, and reported to the public policy and corporate responsibility committee of the Company's board of directors. The Company's contributions for the prior two calendar years can be viewed by clicking on the links on this page under the caption "Related Resources." Additional information can be found in public reports filed by candidates with state agencies by clicking on the individual state links listed here.
The Monsanto Citizenship Fund
Monsanto's political action committee, the Monsanto Citizenship Fund (MCF), is legally authorized to participate in the political process at the federal and state levels. The MCF's participation in the political process includes contributions to political candidates in a manner that is compliant with all applicable laws and reporting requirements. The MCF's contributions are completely funded through voluntary contributions made by eligible Monsanto employees. The MCF supports political issues and candidates consistent with the Company's policy objectives, promotes the election of responsible, qualified candidates to public office, regardless of party affiliation, and supports candidates for office, political parties, or other political committees in cases where the views of those candidates or entities are in general agreement with those of the Company.
Effective governance processes are in place to oversee political contributions made by the MCF. The MCF's board of directors consists of 11 employees from various functions within the Company. All disbursements for political contributions to candidates or political committees require approval of the board and are reviewed by an external political compliance vendor. The MCF's federal contributions are fully disclosed in public reports filed with the Federal Election Commission and are all available on one website at www.FEC.gov. The MCF's state contributions for the prior two calendar years can be viewed by clicking on the links on this page under the caption "Related Resources." Additional information can be found in public reports filed by candidates with state agencies by clicking on the individual state links listed here.
