Bayer has recently updated its Technology Use Agreement (TUG) to include a class action waiver. This means that customers must give up their right to participate in class action lawsuits against Bayer and opt for individual arbitration in case of disputes. Jacob Prather, Bayer’s stewardship lead, stated that the company communicated this update to dealers and growers earlier in the year.
According to Prather, these updates are aimed at ensuring the success of customers who rely on Bayer’s technologies. The changes are intended to preserve the value of the technologies so that they can benefit growers for generations to come. In addition to the class action waiver, there are several other updates to the TUG that growers should be aware of.
The addition of the class action waiver in the TUG has sparked controversy among legal experts and consumer advocacy groups. Some believe that it may limit customers’ ability to seek redress for legitimate grievances, while others view it as a practical way to simplify dispute resolution processes. Prather reassures customers that they can still pursue individual arbitration even if they have accepted the class action waiver.
To better understand the terms of the agreement, growers can visit AgCelerate.com or tug.bayer.com. It is recommended that growers consult state agriculture laws or regulations to ensure they meet any prerequisites for maintaining legal actions, such as arbitration.
