Environmental Injury Lawyer
Bayer Contaminated Rice Farms
The U.S. rice trade is a multi-billion dollar industry that makes up an important part of our nation’s economy. Each year, 19 billion pounds of rice are produced on more than 2 million acres, and thousands of workers and their families depend on the planting, harvesting, domestic trade, and international export of rice.
In 2006, a subsidiary of the international drug and healthcare company Bayer AG tested an experimental strain of genetically modified (GMO) rice that was engineered to be resistant to the company's Liberty-brand herbicide. This strain of rice had not been approved for human consumption. During “open field” testing, the strain spread to other farms, and in a few short years, contaminated more than one third of U.S. supplies.
How did the Bayer GMO contamination affect U.S. rice farms?When the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the discovery of contaminated rice strains, large-scale international exports were halted. The European Union (EU), for example, has a zero tolerance policy for any and all genetically modified rice. Greenpeace International estimated the resulting financial damage to the industry was between $741 million and $1.3 billion.
Have there been lawsuits against Bayer?More than 1,000 lawsuits have been filed by people whose crops and livelihoods were damaged by Bayer’s unsafe testing conditions. Our law firm is actively working to help affected rice farmers receive financial compensation for the genetic contamination and resulting financial losses they suffered.
What should I do if I’ve been affected by the Bayer GMO contamination?If you or someone you know planted rice at any time since 2006, our attorneys would like to speak with you. You may be entitled to money damages, and we want to be the firm that helps you get the financial compensation you deserve.
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Has your livelihood been damaged by unsafe testing practices? Demand Dudley DeBosier. Our Louisiana attorneys stand up to large companies to get you the money you need to cover lost income. We easily serve clients throughout Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, New Orleans, Prairieville, and Shreveport. Call (866) 897-8495 or fill out a free initial consultation form and talk to a lawyer today.