If GM seeds cross on to my farm from next door can I sue?

Ohiorganic

You can and if you sued Monsanto you would likely lose as Monsanto has stacked the deck against farmers who sue them for pollanation contamination. As a matter of fact Monsanto would likely sue you for stealing their technology and win, as they have done hundreds of times already.

if your farm is certified organic you might have a case that they contaminated your seed crop, other wise it is best to isolate you stuff by planting either 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after your neighbors plant their corn, cotton, canola or soy beans.

rickinnocal

Sure. That "anyone can sue anyone for anything" is a fundamental principle of law.

To *win* a suit though you'll need to be able to prove :

1) The seeds actually came from next door, not were blown on the wind from miles away.
2) The neighbor was legally negligent in his actions.
3) You suffered actual, quantifiable financial damages as a result.

Richard

Home treasure

Depends on your method of proof! I should think any legal case could run for a long time. Are you talking windborn, birds, insects as well. Natural causes are probably not included. If the farmer sows the seed accidentally due to undefined boundaries that may be another matter but even getting this witnessed does not prove anything unless you have the required tests on the seed. Regulations for these crops should have some control over contamination of surrounding areas by a risk assessment. I have no idea so best consult someone who can give you a nudge in the right direction. Agriculture Dept in local Government or check out any info on GM crop controls on the web.

Ed J

Ask your lawyer

Michael

It depends on the State you live in. Most of the time, no, you may not sue. Your neighbor has no control of the wind, nor of birds and animals spreading seed.

If you do sue, your neighbor can counter sue. Your seed is probably drifting onto their property also.

Billy B

Most of the GM seeds are planted by a drill or seeder that puts the seeds into the ground. Most varieties of seeds that are GM are usually not broad-casted and are rare that they will "drift to your farm."

Why would you want to sue another farmer, you must really hate them. You must be some Liberal "hobby", organic, weird norhtern, Vermont farmer or something and your neighbor must be a hardworking, farming for a living American.

Farmers must look out for each other, not sue each other. Without the political and grassroots strenght as the cities, farmers need to stop bickering and work out their issues.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: