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March 29, 2012

Growers' group appeals Monsanto lawsuit dismissal

A group led by a Maine organic growing organization is filing an appeal of a federal court decision that dismissed its lawsuit against agri-giant Monsanto Corp.

A federal judge last month dismissed a lawsuit brought against Monsanto by the Maine-based Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association that sought to protect farmers against legal challenges from the company. The suit claimed farmers are vulnerable to legal action from Monsanto if their patented seeds are found on a farmer's land without a contract, but contended that many farmers do not intend to have or grow Monsanto patented seeds, and that seeds and pollen from genetically engineered crops can contaminate neighboring fields. OSGATA and 80 agricultural groups filed the suit in March 2011, according to the Portland Press Herald.

The case now goes to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., and could be heard as early as this fall.

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