Elkhart Farmer Sues Over Genetically Engineered Wheat

A Kansas farmer has sued seed giant Monsanto over last week’s discovery of genetically engineered experimental wheat in Oregon.

The civil lawsuit filed Monday by Elkhart wheat grower Ernest Barnes alleges the finding of the unapproved wheat in an 80-acre field drove down wheat futures prices and caused a backlash from some international markets, which suspended certain imports. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

Warren Burns, one of the attorneys representing the farmer, said in a phone call from Dallas that such lawsuits help police the agricultural system and make sure farmers are protected.

Monsanto Executive Vice President David Snively issued a statement saying "tractor chasing lawyers" have prematurely filed lawsuits without any evidence of fault and before the crop’s harvest.