WA farmers contemplating legal action over canola crop failures
Dozens of West Australian grain growers are thinking about taking legal action. This is after glyphosate-resistant canola varieties failed.
West Australian canola farmers are thinking about legal action after widespread crop failures this season. A law firm that works with farm businesses has received more than 40 inquiries from growers reporting problems with TruFlex canola varieties.
The varieties include the Emu, Hunter and InVigor LR405 strains. Farmers say the plants lost their ability to resist glyphosate weed-killer after planting.
This led to poor seed sprouting. One farmer reported possible losses of up to about $1 million across 1,100 hectares.
Seed companies BASF and Nufarm say they are investigating. They say farming practices and seasonal factors may also play a role.
Consumer Protection says farmers have the same legal rights as shoppers. They can seek compensation if the seed does not do what it promised.
- More than 40 growers
- Inquiries received
- Emu, Hunter, InVigor LR405
- Affected canola varieties
- Up to $1 million across 1,100 hectares
- Mark Fowler's potential loss
- BASF and Nufarm
- Seed companies investigating
Why it mattersFailures of this size threaten farm survival. They could change how farmers pick seed types. Major companies now face possible liability claims.
AustraliaThis is Western Australia's agricultural sector, one of the country's largest grain-growing regions. The issue affects food security and export income.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
