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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Landmark: Organic Farmer Sues Neighbor For Cross-Contamination

An Australian organic farmer is suing a neighboring grower for GMO contamination of his land.

The first-of-its-kind lawsuit could set a precedent and land a major blow to biotech giant Monsanto, if farmer Steve Marsh wins his case. Farmers have attempted to sue Monsanto and GMO seeds competitor DuPont on GMO contamination or cross-contamination grounds in the United States, but no American farmers have ever successfully done what Marsh hopes to do.

The organic farmer is the first to attempt to make the issue a property rights battle and actually sue the individual who planted and cultivated the genetically engineered crops. Since 1997, Monsanto has filed 145 lawsuits against farmers for reusing its patented genetically modified seeds. According to Daily Finance, Monsanto has fought and won, on average, one lawsuit every three weeks for the past 16 years.

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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, our court system favor's Monsanto's rights to genes vs. a farmer's rights to grow organic food. :(

Anonymous said...

2:08 I guess the "organic" farmer doesn't have any responsibility in this matter? If he's farming right up against a gmo farmer, shouldn't he be prepared with boundaries, careful crop planting, and ensuring the other farmer does the same? Seems like another quack trying to make a name for himself.

Anonymous said...

Monsanto is scary. The FDA needs to go ahead with GMO labels. You'll be shocked at how much GMO food you're actually eating.

Anonymous said...

Anon 6:58, why should we be shocked? GMO is perfectly safe, there has NOT been ONE documented illness due to GMO's. Try reading a little or ask a farmer..