Having lost organic status on 70% of his land in 2010 after GM seed from a neighbouring farm contaminated his crops, Steve Marsh is now taking the GM farmer to court for negligence in a landmark case.
Marsh’s lawyers say that the case could determine the future of GM-free food grown in Australia. Mark Walter, from Slater & Gordon, which is representing the organic farmer, said: “As far as we know this is the first court case of its type anywhere in the world. It will test the legal rights of farmers to choose how and what they farm on their land.”
He added: “This case is about freedom of choice, for both farmers and consumers. It is important that farmers retain their rights to farm GM-free food as this in turn will protect consumers’ ability to purchase GM-free food.”
Marsh is seeking compensation as well as a permanent injunction to protect his farm from future contamination.
