It's a formula that seems to be working to chip away at the coal industry: What you can't beat, financially isolate.

But for Jeffrey M. Smith, executive director at the anti-GMO nonprofit Institute for Responsible Technology, the target isn't an ailing, polluting industry. It's Monsanto, the pesticide and bioengineering firm once dubbed the world's "most evil corporation." 

In an open letter to investors, obtained by The Huffington Post on Tuesday, Smith said weak sales of biotech-corn seeds and other financial headwinds have left Monsanto vulnerable. He cited as proof the company's announcement earlier this month that it planned to cut a total of 3,600 jobs. 

Now, it's worth noting that Smith has made a career for himself standing against Monsanto. Since founding his nonprofit in 2003, the author has railed against genetically modified organisms -- specifically fruits and vegetables engineered to grow bigger or avoid pesticides. Advocates like Smith say GMO foods are unhealthful and badly regulated. But the jury is still out on the health effects of eating genetically engineered food. 

Still, the business world is beginning to prioritize companies' missions over their profits. Monsanto may see itself as an agricultural giant helping to feed the world's growing population; but in doing so, the company has become notorious for being litigious, secretive and combative with critics who question its products or seemingly unscrupulous practices.

Reached for comment, a Monsanto spokeswoman said: "The rumors and misinformation in Mr. Smith’s letter are intended to generate confusion and concern for consumers.