Canadian Farmers Sue to
Stop Monsanto's GE Wheat

FARMERS MOVE TO BLOCK MODIFIED WHEAT
March 29, 2002
CBC News
http://cbc.ca/stories/2002/03/29/gmwheat020329
SPALDING, SASK.-Genetically-modified wheat won't be ready to plant
for three years, but two organic farmers in Saskatchewan already fear it will
kill their business.

They're suing the bio-tech company Monsanto to prevent the
introduction of the wheat. They say other modified crops have already harmed their
businesses, and that modified wheat will be the final straw. "I
need to stop what's happening basically because it's affecting my
livelihood," said Larry Hoffman of Spalding, Sask.

He fears modified seeds from neighbouring farms will blow onto his
fields and contaminate his crops. That's already happening with canola, he
said. "Genetic engineers have grossly underestimated the sex drive of
plants," says Ann Clark from the University of Guelph. "They cross with each
other." Genetically-modified wheat will be sold only if governments approve
it, according to Monsanto, and the product won't ready for three years.

The company's Web site argues that biotechnology allows reduced use of
pesticides. Last summer, a letter endorsed by more than 200 groups - including
the Canadian Wheat Board and Saskatchewan Association of rural
Municipalities - asked Ottawa to delay approval of GM wheat. They demanded that all
economic, safety, environmental and regulatory concerns be addressed first.
The Wheat Board said its customers don't want genetically-altered
wheat.