District Court Judge Naomi Buchwald will hear oral arguments on January 31st in the case of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association VS Monsanto. Buchwald serves the Southern District of New York and will decide on Monsanto’s motion to dismiss the Association’s case. The landmark lawsuit, filed in March 2011, challenges the validity of Monsanto’s transgenic/GMO patents and seeks court protection for family farmers who may become contaminated by Monsanto seed.
Jim Gerritsen, President of lead plaintiff, OSGATA, says – last August we submitted our written rebuttal and it made clear that Monsanto’s motion was without merit. Our legal team, from the Public Patent Foundation, is looking forward to orally presenting our position. Gerritsen adds – we are anxious that this case go to trial as soon as possible so that our innocent farmers may receive Court protection.
The 83 family farmers, small and family owned seed businesses, and agricultural organizations comprising the organic plaintiff group represent over 300-thousand individuals.