Herbicide case in France could have far-reaching implications

A landmark legal case in France may have far-reaching implications for those who claim to have been negatively affected by pesticides and other agro-industrial inputs.

A French court has found the Monsanto bio-technology company legally responsible for the poisoning of a farmer with one of its herbicides in 2004.

Monsanto said last week it would appeal the court decision in Lyon, which told Monsanto to compensate Paul François, 47, a cereal farmer who inhaled fumes from Lasso, a Monsanto weedkiller.