Two organic farmers from Saskatchewan have lost their latest bid for a class-action lawsuit against farm chemical companies involved in producing genetically modified canola.
On Wednesday, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by Dale Beaudoin and Larry Hoffman of L.B. Hoffman Farms Inc. against Monsanto Canada and Bayer CropScience.
They are seeking damages from the two companies for allegedly contaminating their organically grown canola and their fields with genetically modified canola.
Genetically modified canola has been altered so that it's resistant to certain herbicides, making it simpler for farmers to spray.
Hoffman and Beaudoin wanted their case to be declared a class-action suit, so many farmers could join the action with one legal team arguing the case.
They were turned down by the Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench two years ago and on Wednesday, the Appeal Court upheld that decision.
Without class-action status, farmers can still sue, but only as individuals.
The other possibility is for Hoffman and Beaudoin to take the case to the Supreme Court of Canada. They have until Aug. 2 to apply to the Supreme Court.
In a news release, Monsanto officials said they were pleased with Wednesday's decision.
The farmers' case is sponsored by the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate's Organic Agriculture Protection Fund.
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