Brent Beach's speculation is already a reality. While in England last
December, I read a fascinating article about the reaction of organic farmers
in Britain to genetically altered species, which are *already* having a a
significant effect on their stock through cross-pollination. Wish I could
remember which publication I read it in -- I'll at least do a little
checking and see if I can come up with a reference for this.

James West

----- Original Message -----
From: Brent D. Beach <ub359 at victoria.tc.ca>
To: <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 1999 7:55 AM
Subject: Re: OT - Roundup Ready(R) Canola on CBC News


On Wed, 9 Jun, "Mike P. Gagel" wrote:
>The farmer in question was found to have Monsanto's DNA
>present in his Canola crop (PI's were sent to investigate).
>However, the farmer never purchased seeds from Monsanto, hence
>his problem. He argues that Monsanto pollen must have drifted
>onto and fertilized his Canola crop.

The farmer should sue Monsanto for allowing a genetically
modified variant to transfer to his crop.

Unless they can prove it could not have been transferred by
bees, they would be at fault. A neighbouring organic farmer
could be in serious trouble if genetically modified plants were
discovered in a certified organic area.

I sure hope this farmer has a good lawyer. Monsanto is infamous
for their legal department.

Brent


Brent Beach, Victoria, BC, CA