Western Australia farm contaminated by GM-canola
27 Dec 2010
The organic farming community in Western Australia is rallying behind a farmer whose property has been contaminated by genetically modified crops.
Organic oats farmer Stephen Marsh has received confirmation that around 70 per cent of his Kojonup farm, in south west WA, has suffered contamination by GM canola.
With more than half his farm having lost its organic certification due to the contamination, Marsh will not be able to charge premium prices for organic harvests.
Marsh would now have to sell the oats, wheat and rye grown there at conventional prices losing his premium in the bargain.
He said a lot of his clients prefer non-GM produce.
The farmer says he is not sure whether he would be able to regain status as an organic grower and is considering legal options.