"For plants designed in a lab a little more than a decade ago, they've come a long way: Today, the vast majority of the nation's two primary crops grow from seeds genetically altered according to Monsanto company patents.

Ninety-three percent of soybeans. Eighty percent of corn. ...

But for farmers ....  prices of the Monsanto-patented seeds have steadily increased, roughly doubling during the past decade....

The revolution, and Monsanto's dominant role in the nation's agriculture, has not unfolded without complaint. Farmers have decried the price increases, and competitors say the company has ruthlessly stifled competition. "

Peter Whoriskey reports for the Washington Post November 29, 2009. [2]