Australia: Another case of GM contamination, this time caused by flooding

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Flooding causes GM contamination
By Laura Poole
ABC Rural Western Australia
Wednesday, 16/03/2011
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/wa/content/2011/03/s3165825.htm

The debate over contamination with genetically modified seeds has reignited in Victoria, with the floods spreading GM canola onto a non GM property. ”¨”¨One local farmer claims floodwaters have washed genetically modified canola onto a non-GM paddock in western Victoria.

”¨”¨Natimuk farmer Bob Mackley says heavy rain washed GM canola from his neighbour's property through the boundary fence. ”¨”¨He's concerned that the GM canola will increase his weed control costs and force him to pay plant breeding rights for something he doesn't want.”¨”¨

"There are three issues which concern me greatly. Number one is it's forcing me to change my rotations because I have a neighbour that's growing GM canola. It's also making my weed control issues far more complex," he said.”¨”¨

"Thirdly, and this is the real kicker, is what ongoing liability is there regarding having this material on my land?"”¨”¨

In a written statement to ABC Rural, plant breeder Monsanto says it has never been, nor will it be, its policy to exercise its patent rights where trace amounts of patented traits are present in a farmer's paddock or grain as a result of inadvertent means.