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March 31, 2011

Organic Farmers, Dealers Sue Agri-Giant Monsanto Over Patents 
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More than 50 U.S. organic farmers and seed dealers have filed a pivotal
lawsuit against the agribusiness giant Monsanto. The case centers around
Monsanto's practice of suing farmers it accuses of using the company's
genetically modified ("GMO") seeds without permission. Monsanto has won
damages from farmers whose fields were found to contain the company's
seeds. But the farmers have claimed their fields were contaminated with
the Monsanto seed without their knowledge. Monsanto critics have
suggested the company has encouraged the contamination of organic crops
as part of an effort to eliminate competition and monopolize
agricultural supply. The suit seeks to prevent Monsanto from suing for
patent violations should its GMO seed wind up on the plaintiffs' land.



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