Farmers plan lawsuit against GMO companies

Last Updated: Fri Oct 12 17:07:48 2001

http://www.cbc.ca/cgi-bin/templates/view.cgi?/news/2001/10/12/Consumers/farmersgmlawsuit_011012Saskatchewan

SASKATOON - Saskatchewan organic farmers have launched a fund to help
their legal battle against developers of genetically-modified crops. The
farmers say gene-altered canola crops have ruined their market for the
seed.

The farmers say GM wheat will inevitably be spread through the handling
system and into farmers' fields. That means they can't guarantee their
crops are free of any genetically modified organisms.

The Saskatchewan Organic Directorate announced its intention to file a
class action lawsuit, likely against companies involved in GM crop
development such as Monsanto.

Monsanto is conducting field tests of their GM canola in the province.

SOD is an umbrella organization created to support the organic movement
in Saskatchewan.

Group lawyer Terry Zakreski says the lawsuit will seek compensation from
"those responsible for the damage caused to organic farmers of
Saskatchewan caused by the introduction of genetically engineered
canola."

The suit will also attempt to prevent the introduction of GM wheat into
Saskatchewan.

The action seems to take up where another court battle left off.
Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser lost his case against Monsanto in
April 2001.

He sued the company, claiming its GM canola seeds blew onto his
property. Schmeiser had been trying to keep his crop GMO-free. The
company countersued saying Schmeiser used their seeds.

Many groups, including the Canadian Wheat Board and Saskatchewan
Association of Rural Municipalities, have recently demanded the federal
government stop GM wheat from being registered.

They fear foreign customers will refuse to buy any Canadian wheat if GM
wheat is allowed on the Prairies.

Written by CBC News Online staff