Washington Farmers Sue Monsanto Over GMO Wheat

Two wheat growers in Washington state have filed suit against Monsanto over the unauthorized release of genetically modified wheat.

The lawsuit claims the discovery of the unapproved wheat has hurt farmers’ export markets. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Spokane on behalf of all domestic soft white wheat growers and seeks class action status.

Dreger Enterprises of Creston and Wahl Ranch of Lind are the named plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Genetically engineered, experimental wheat was found growing in an 80-acre field in Oregon last week. The wheat was the same strain as one designed by Monsanto to be herbicide-resistant. It was tested in Oregon and several other states through 2005 but was never approved.

A Kansas farmer filed suit against the company Tuesday.