A case of GM contamination in Australia raises questions about segregation for organic farmers. This case raises two interesting questions. Firstly, whether a polluter pays principle will be followed in Australia and how consumers wishing to buy GM free produce will respond should organic supplies become contaminated.
If a "polluter pays" principle is adopted the likelihood of GM being grown in close proximity to organic land is reduced. However, how far will the principle extend? Over time if GM genes spread far beyond the farm they originated from and contaminate an organic farm will that organic farmer be able to trace the contamination back to source and seek compensation?
If GM free is a major motivation for consumers as the article suggests we should understand how important this is to them. If it is a significant factor in consumer buying decisions, we should rigourously ensure that any contaminated imported supplies are kept out of the UK organic market in order to protect consumer trust in our organic products.
