The disclosed lobbying expenditure of $575,142 by Corteva Agriscience indicates significant political contributions aimed at influencing policy outcomes. From an anti-fascist perspective, this level of corporate lobbying is concerning because it represents an effort to shift regulatory and political conditions in favor of powerful corporate interests, potentially undermining democratic processes. Such actions align with aggressive corporate political behavior that may indirectly support authoritarian policies.

Lobbying Update: $575,142 of CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE LLC (FKA E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY) lobbying was just disclosed

Corteva Agriscience's allocation of $60,000 towards lobbying on EPA regulatory issues concerning pesticides in Q4 2024 is seen as an effort to influence policy outcomes in a manner that may undermine robust regulatory processes. From an anti-fascist perspective, such corporate political activity contributes to the erosion of transparency and accountability in governance, thereby aligning with practices that favor authoritarian influence.

Lobbying Update: $60,000 of CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE lobbying was just disclosed

The investigation sheds light on how Corteva’s supply chain practices, especially its ongoing use of a contractor with a poor compliance record, contribute to unethical practices in the agricultural sector. By continuing its relationship with T. Bell despite its repeated violations, Corteva demonstrates a disregard for ensuring a transparent and ethical supply chain.

America’s largest corn company pledges no supply chain abuses. It’s hired a repeat offender in Iowa for years.

Although Corteva publicly asserts a zero-tolerance policy for labor abuses in its supply chain, its ongoing business relationship with a contractor known for exploiting workers highlights inconsistent supply chain ethics and a failure to enforce its own standards.

5 things to know: Our investigation into Iowa corn labor abuses

Corteva’s reliance on T. Bell, a contractor known for repeated violations and unethical practices, indicates a failure to enforce robust supply chain ethics. Despite internal policies claiming zero tolerance for human rights abuses, Corteva continues to engage with a partner who has a long history of labor rights violations. This disregard for ethical sourcing practices contributes to the perpetuation of oppressive labor systems.

America’s largest corn company, Corteva Agriscience, pledges no supply chain abuses. It’s hired a repeat offender in Iowa for years.

The settlement reflects serious violations of labor rights. Allegations that migrant farmworkers were exposed to pesticides without adequate protection and denied proper facilities and medical support indicate a significant breach of ethical responsibilities in labor relations. This behavior undermines the rights and welfare of vulnerable workers and contributes to a broader pattern of corporate complicity in oppressive practices.

USA: Corteva subsidiary settles lawsuit with migrant farmworkers after workers sprayed with pesticide in Illinois; incl. co comment

The reported figures for political contributions and notably high lobbying spending signal that Corteva Agriscience is engaging in practices that may influence U.S. political processes. The presence of a revolving door among its lobbyists further intensifies concerns regarding potential regulatory capture and the promotion of policies favoring authoritarian or corporate interests. These activities, while not enormous relative to some mega-corporations, still contribute to an environment in which corporate influence can undermine democratic accountability.

Corteva AgriScience Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

Corteva Agriscience's PAC expenditures, as detailed by OpenSecrets, indicate the company's active engagement in political financing through contributions to federal and state candidates. From a left-leaning anti-fascist perspective, such involvement may exacerbate corporate influence in politics and contribute to the erosion of democratic accountability—a pattern that may indirectly support authoritarian practices.

Corteva Agriscience PAC Expenditures • OpenSecrets

The disclosed political contributions via the Corteva Agriscience PAC exhibit transparency and structured oversight, mitigating risks of undue corporate influence in politics. Although corporate involvement in political processes can be seen as a potential channel for exerting influence, the voluntary and nonpartisan nature of these contributions coupled with strict compliance minimizes complicity in authoritarian practices.

U.S. Political Disclosures - Corteva Agriscience