Motion to create national GM contamination insurance scheme comes after farmer Steve Marsh claims he lost organic certification after GM canola drifted on to his land

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

A motion will be tabled in the Western Australian parliament aimed at protecting organic farmers such as Steve Marsh, who faces an enormous bill after losing a court battle over genetically modified crops.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Organic farmer Steve Marsh leaves the WA supreme court after a judge ruled against him in 2014. Photograph: Angie Raphael/AAP

In May last year, Marsh failed in his bid to sue former friend Michael Baxter, claiming he lost organic certification for more than half his Kojonup farm after genetically modified canola drifted on to his land from Baxter’s property.

He now faces a legal costs bill of almost $804,000, although he might appeal.

Greens senator Rachel Siewert said she would table a motion in state parliament on Tuesday calling on the commonwealth to create a national GM contamination insurance scheme that ensures any associated clean-up and loss of income is funded by levies on GM crops.

The motion also calls on the state government to retain the legislative framework that creates GM-free areas within WA, noting it intends to review the act.

In December, the state government asked the Organic Industry Standards and Certification Council to increase the GM tolerance level from zero to 0.9%, but the application was rejected.