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MARCH 30, 2001

A Canadian court on Thursday ruled that a farmer in Saskatchewan owes a giant international agricultural company thousands of dollars for growing a genetically modified canola plant on his property.

The court ruled that 70-year-old farmer Percy Schmeiser violated Monsanta Co.'s patent on the genetically modified plant. Farmers are supposed to pay the company for to use their seed.

But Schmeiser said pollen from Monsanto's plant flew onto his property without his knowledge. The judge said it didn't matter if it was accidental or not and Schmeiser has to pay up.

The case is expected to affect thousands of farmers in Canada and the United States. Since pollen travels through the air, it is possible for it to spread to farms unknowingly.

Get the Story:
Farmer Liable For Growing Biotech Crops (The Washington Post 3/30)

Relevant Links:
Monsanto - http://www.monsanto.com
Bioengineered foods, The FDA - www.fda.gov/oc/biotech/default.htm

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