Farmers beat the 'giants' Monsanto

A French court required Monsanto, a provider of herbicides and seeds had produced Agent Orange, compensation for farmers because of poisoning by inhalation herbicide produced by this group.
Monsanton corporation that has produced the defoliant trees, also known as Agent Orange sprayed in Vietnam during the war years. Toxic dioxin in Agent Orange was the cause of many serious diseases to humans such as cancer, birth defects. Monsanto is accused in the case of Agent Orange victims in Vietnam for many years.
In the French case, the plaintiff is that Paul Francois, a 47-year-old farmer. According to AFP, in 2004, Francois poisoning by inhalation of Lasso herbicide on the field during spraying. The effects of the drug made him into a state of nausea, dizziness, headaches, slurred speech, muscle pain. Francois then become unable to work for a year.
During the trial yesterday, the city court of Lyon, France concluded Monsanto - corporations headquartered in the United States - must take responsibility for the poisoning case of Francois.
"The incident of my client that farmers worldwide concern," said Francois Lafforgue, his lawyer Francois, said.
Court accusing Monsanto continued to sell herbicides Lasso in the French market until 2007, though this product is prohibited for use in Canada, Britain and Belgium, unpublished component of the herbicide on the label, not warned the risk of poisoning due to inhalation of herbicides and also do not advise people to wear gas masks.Monsanto's herbicide Lasso is listed in the list of toxic substances from the '80s. Photo:Monsanto's herbicide Lasso is listed in the list of toxic substances from the '80s. Photo: redgreenandblue.org.
Delsart Jean-Philippe, a lawyer for Monsanto, arguing that there is no evidence to suggest that Mr. Francois poisoning after inhaling the herbicide Lasso. According Delsart, poisoning symptoms appear several months after inhalation Francois herbicide produced by Monsanto.
"We feel that the stakeholders do not have enough scientific evidence to prove cause and effect relationship between actions using Lasso herbicide with his health problems Francois," Yann Fichet, head relations department with the institutions of Monsanto, said.
Futures Generations organizations oppose the use of herbicides on a large scale, praising the French court's judgment.
"Regulation is responsible for Monsanto in this case is necessary. From this the company provides agricultural products can not understand that they will evade responsibility. This is an important step for all farmers and other victims of pesticides, "Francois Veillerette, Futures Generations spokesman commented.
Jose Bove, a member of the European parliament, said the licensing system used pesticides in France should be reformed.
"Lasso are classified as hazardous substances from the 80s of last century, but it was withdrawn from the market in France in 2007," Bove specified