A new travel fund has been established to help family farmers and seed growers seeking justice in federal court. The Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association set up the fund to help the plaintiffs attend the January 10, 2013 hearing.
The case with lead plaintiff OSGATA includes dozens of other small farm and agriculture-related groups who seek protection against Monsanto. They are concerned about unwanted seed contamination that they feel threatens their livelihoods and the future of the American food system. The court will hear their Appeal of Dismissal in the case Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association et al v. Monsanto. Monsanto argued that its seeds are not a threat to the farmers and has wanted to have the case thrown out.
OSGATA President Jim Gerritson, a Maine potato farmer, says of plaintiffs who will be traveling, "I think it's important for the Court of Appeals justices to see that these are living American farmers being impacted by their deliberations. The fact is we need this protection as soon as possible." Gerritson believes that farmers' protection from Monsanto would also serve the public interest of all Americans.
Flour Sack Mama has brought you stories of concern in this case from a Kansas organic rancher and from a small North Carolina seed company, as well as farmers' efforts to be heard earlier in 2012 before the courts.
If you'd like to help OSGATA with the farmers' travel fund you can reach them at this link.
Disclosure: Sow True Seed provided the heirloom, open pollinated and organic seeds for our family's garden in 2012.