Schmeiser's Wife Takes on Monsanto

Press Release / www.percyschmeiser.com 19oct04

Louise Schmeiser has filed papers with a small claims court in Humboldt seeking $140 in damages from Monsanto. Schmeiser says that is what it cost her to remove Monsanto's Roundup Ready Canola plants from her organic garden and nearby shelter belt.

"Monsanto said that if anyone sprays Roundup on any plant and it doesn't die... they will come and remove it," says Percy Schmeiser, who is acting as Louise's legal counsel. "They failed to do it."

Schmeiser says the case has been adjourned until next March to give Monsanto's lawyers time to prepare a defense.

Seven years ago, Monsanto took Percy Schmeiser to court. The chemical giant said Schmeiser was growing the company's genetically modified canola without permission, and without paying for the right to do so.

The Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto's patent was valid, but Schmeiser was also victorious as he did not have to pay Monsanto's Technology Use Fee of $15./acre, profits, damages and Monsanto's legal costs.

"The Supreme Court ruled Monsanto owns and controls the gene, so the liability issue now follows the flow of the gene," says Schmeiser. "Monsanto is totally liable for contamination and pollution of anybody's field now."

Monsanto representatives refused to comment on the case.

source: http://www.percyschmeiser.com/Wife.htm 20oct04