PLATES OF PROFIT: Who controls our food? Report exposes corporate threat to farmers, consumers, public health

Corporate power is reshaping food systems globally and locally, with consequences for farmers, consumers, and public health. A new report, "Agribusiness Atlas: Facts and figures about the corporations that control what we eat," sheds light on this issue, exposing the threats posed by a handful of multinational corporations controlling key aspects of our food supply.

Seeds, the foundation of our food supply, are increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few major corporations. Three companies control 56% of the global seed market, leaving farmers dependent on these firms for seeds. This dependence is compounded by commercialization of hybrid seeds and patent restrictions, which make it economically unfeasible for farmers to reuse seeds.

Furthermore, genetically engineered seeds are routinely patented, creating a powerful financial incentive for agribusiness to engage in genetic engineering.

In South Africa, the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act 12 of 2018 further exacerbates these issues. The act, effective since June 2025, grants breeders intellectual property rights over their new plant varieties. While it aims to protect breeders’ rights, it simultaneously restricts smallholder farmers' ability to save, sell, barter, and exchange seeds - essential practices for maintaining food diversity and sovereignty. Critics argue that this law strengthens corporate monopolies, undermining the public interest in food systems.

Pesticide regulations also present a double standard, with companies exploiting loopholes to produce and export banned substances. This issue is particularly concerning in South Africa, where hazardous pesticides have been found in infant food and staple crops. The same products are labeled differently across countries, with South African consumers receiving less information about potential health risks.

Corporate influence extends beyond the seed and pesticide industries, reaching food processors and major retailers. These entities negotiate with farmers at relatively low prices and profit from substantial mark-ups on mass-market and private-label products. Despite fluctuations in raw commodity prices or supplier costs, consumers often do not see the benefits reflected in lower grocery prices. This imbalance in the supply chain allows corporations to prioritize profit over consumer welfare.

Commerce lobby groups often enjoy privileged access to policymakers, both at the European and national levels, hindering the progress of policies that prioritize the public interest. In South Africa, the Healthy Living Alliance (Heala) points out that commercial food industry lobby groups have delayed the approval process.