A coalition of activist organizations demonstrating at the Monsanto office in Davis CA. successfully caused a shutdown of the multinational chemical and biotech company offices there on on Saturday, March 16.

Upon announcement of the shutdown, Monsanto instructed employees to stay away from work.

The first day's action began at 6:30 a.m. with around 150 demonstrators picketing and setting up tents from which to distribute information. Despite the steady rain all day, a small but dedicated group maintained a vigil in front of the Monsanto complex.

Tents blocked the entrances to the parking lot, and a single security guard was posted at the main entrance to the building. Many passing cars honked their horns in support of the protestors, notable in this agriculturally-dependant town.

According to Steven Payan, a farm worker and organizer of the event allied with the Yolo County Peace & Freedom Party, the shutdown took place peacefully and without incident. The protest will continue on Sunday.

Payan also said that the coalition's next efforts  will be to draft a set of anti-Monsanto resolutions, and to bring their demands to the United Nations.