Saskatchewan Farmers Pursue GMO Lawsuit

GREENFIELD Jun 8/04 - SNS -- Certified organic producers in Saskatchewan, led by the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate, are seeking class action status in a suit to hold companies that created genetically engineered (GE) seed legally liable for the damage caused to organic farmers by the introduction of GE canola.

The group says there are questions of liability for the unwanted and uncontrolled spread of GE canola plants, as well as concerns about how the use of GE plants might affect the environment.

Triple-resistant canola weeds were found on a farm in northern Alberta as a result of cross-pollination by bees and wind. It is believed the plants resulted from inadvertent crossing of three different canola systems genetically engineered for the herbicides Roundup (glyphosate), Liberty (glufosinate-ammonium), and Pursuit (imazethapyr).

A scientific study by a University of Bordeaux professor has found that sediment in the Richelieu River, a tributary of the St. Lawrence River surrounded by fields of genetically engineered Bt corn, contains concentrations of Bt that are five times higher than in nearby agricultural watersheds.

"When you choose organic products, you support farmers who grow crops and raise animals without the use of genetically engineered seeds or growth hormones," said Katherine DiMatteo, executive director of the Organic Trade Association, which represents the organic industry throughout Canada and the United States. "Each purchase of organic products sends a message that you want your foods produced without genetic engineering."

The organizatiopn says there is no requirement to label products made with genetically engineered seeds or growth hormones, but consumers can avoid genetically engineered food products by choosing organic products. Organic farmers are prohibited from using genetically engineered seeds or growth hormones.