An Australian farmer has reportedly become the first person in the world to take legal action against a neighbouring farm for alleged crop contamination.



Farmer Steve Marsh, from Kojonup south-east of Perth, claims swathes of genetically modified canola, as well as seed, blew onto his property from the neighbouring farm, contaminating his organic canola crop, and resulting in large parts of his land losing organic certification.



Mark Walter from the law firm Slater and Gordon, which is representing Mr Marsh, claims it's the first court case of its type anywhere in the world.



"The situation is novel in that GM is new, but the underlying principles are very clear in that even though GM may be authorised for use, it must be used within the confines of the law. This case will test out what those confines are."

Listen: Lawyer Mark Walter speaks to Peggy Giakoumelos