RURAL VERMONT AND WESTERN ORGANIZATION OF RESOURCE COUNCILS

February 4th, 2005

Farmer Protection Acts Crop Up in Three States
Farmers Push for Shield from Biotech Crop Liability as States Try to Cope With Genetically Engineered Crops

MONTPELIER, VT, HELENA, MT -- Farmers in Vermont, Montana, and North Dakota are supporting legislation to make biotechnology companies, not farmers, liable for damages by genetically modified crops. These bills would also prevent the manufacturers from suing farmers whose fields are contaminated by genetically engineered crops and are unintentionally growing these crops.

Legislative committees in Vermont and Montana heard testimony today supporting Farmer Protection Acts. More hearings are scheduled in both states next week for further consideration of the legislation.

A hearing is scheduled next Thursday before the Senate Agriculture Committee in the North Dakota legislature.

Farm advocacy groups across the nation worked with farmers and with legal counsel to develop language that would ensure protection for farmers and hold companies responsible for any damage caused by their products.

"We've done our homework for Vermont's farmers and our bill is strong and clean. We must make sure that farmers are not bearing the burden for the manufacturers who are marketing a product that is designed to contaminate," stated Amy Shollenberger, policy director of Rural Vermont. "I am encouraged by the strong support for S.18"

In Montana, wheat growers lined up to support Senate Bill 218 during a hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"If genetically engineered wheat is introduced, this bill will protect farmers from the liabilities associated with this crop resulting from contamination by making sure biotechnology companies are responsible for their product," said Dena Hoff, a farmer near Glendive, Mont., and representative of the Northern Plains Resource Council.

Hoff cited a recently released study, Monsanto vs. U.S. Farmers, by the Center for Food Safety that found that Monsanto has sued or is suing more than 100 farmers for patent infringement.

Currently, farmers who buy genetically engineered seeds must sign a Technology Use Agreements. These agreements shield the patent company from liability for contamination and place the full liability burden on farmers. Farmers contend these agreements essentially pit farmer against farmer when conflicts arise.

Conventional farmers are also at risk. Biotech companies have sued farmers for having genetically engineered seeds on their land, even if the farmer did not plant the seeds.

Northern Plains is a grassroots conservation and family agriculture group that organized Montana citizens to protect our water quality, family farms and ranches, and a high quality of life. Rural Vermont educates, activates, and advocates for living soils, thriving farms, and healthy communities.

Northern Plains is a member of WORC (Western Organization of Resource Councils), a grassroots organization of farmers, ranchers, and consumers in seven western states.

Contact: Amy Shollenberger, Policy Director, Rural Vermont 802-793-1114; Kevin Dowling, WORC, 406-252-9672