Former childhood friends embark on test court case over GM crops

Two neighbouring farmers, a field of canola, and a gust of wind are at the centre of a landmark court case in Australia that may have consequences for the growing of genetically modified crops in the country.

Steve Marsh is suing former childhood friend Michael Baxter after harvested seed heads from Baxter’s genetically modified canola crop blew onto Marsh’s farm in the state of Western Australia, court documents said, contaminating land used for his organic oat and wheat crops.

Marsh, stripped of his organic certification and export licence for his oats, is claiming unspecified damages for loss of income in the civil negligence case, which is being heard in the West Australian Supreme Court.