by SUSAN MANN
A Canadian-based organization of organic supporters is taking part in the first phase of a court case in the United States seeking to limit biotechnology giant Monsanto’s right to sue farmers if their products are contaminated with genetically modified seed.
Arnold Taylor, an organic farmer and board member of Canadian Organic Growers, will represent thousands of organic farmers across Canada at the oral arguments being heard by Judge Naomi Buchward of the Federal District Court of Southern New York. It’s being heard in New York City on Jan. 31, a press release from the Canadian Organic Growers says.
The lawsuit was filed in March 2011 by the Public Patent Foundation, a non-profit legal services organization on behalf of 36 North American farm organizations.
After the oral arguments, Judge Buchward will decide if the case has merit and can proceed.
Canadian Organic Growers is a national membership-based education and networking organization representing farmers, gardeners and consumers. BF
Comments
It is next to impossible for organic producers to keep GMO materials off their farms when grown by others in the area. Why should Monsanto be able to claim that their products are containable within the field they are grown in and then be able to sue victims of unwanted GMO spread onto organic farms for patent infringement? Good for the COG and the other organizations for launching and joining in this lawsuit.
Ruth Pryzner
Responsible farmers and farm organizations can only hope Judge Buchwald determines this lawsuit against Monsanto is not only completely without merit, but also "frivolous and vexatious", and then goes on to award costs to be assessed against the people who filed the lawsuit, including the Canadian Organic Growers.
Stephen Thompson, Clinton ON
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