What two seed and herbicide companies merged in 2017?

The correct answer identifies the merger between Bayer and Monsanto in 2017, which was significant within the agricultural sector. This merger represented a pivotal moment in the industry, as it created one of the largest biotech seed and agricultural chemical companies in the world. The union allowed Bayer to expand its product offerings and R&D capabilities, thereby consolidating its position in the global market for crop protection and production.

Bayer’s strategic aim to combine with Monsanto was largely driven by the increasing importance of addressing global food supply challenges and leveraging biotechnology to improve agricultural yields. This merger has had lasting effects on the industry, influencing market dynamics and regulatory discussions surrounding biotechnology in agriculture.

Other options represent valid mergers but occurred during different timeframes or involve different companies. The Dow-DuPont merger, for example, formed a significant new entity but was finalized prior to the Bayer-Monsanto merging. Similarly, the Syngenta-ChemChina merger also took place around the same era but did not specifically involve Bayer and Monsanto. The BASF-Corteva choice refers to distinct companies that did not merge in the time specified. Thus, the significance and timing of the Bayer-Monsanto merger sets it apart as the correct answer to this question.