•  

First Australian farmer sues Monsanto, claiming Roundup caused his cancer

Share

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Print
• Mail
• Other share options

WA Country Hour

By Jon Daly and Belinda Varischetti Updated yesterday at 15:20 First posted yesterday at 14:18

For the first time in Australia, a farmer has launched legal action against Monsanto — the manufacturer of Roundup — claiming it caused his cancer.

Key points:

• A 67-year-old farmer from NSW is suing Monsanto, claiming long-term exposure to Roundup caused his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• It follows a 54-year-old Melbourne gardener launching legal action against the company in June
• Bayer-owned Monsanto, the National Farmers’ Federation, and the Agriculture Minister say glyphosate is safe if instructions are followed

New South Wales farmer, Ross Wild, 67, has used Roundup on his mixed farming property in Moama since its introduction in Australia in 1976.

Last year, Mr Wild was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and he claims long-term exposure to Roundup’s active ingredient, glyphosate, is to blame.

‘Inadequate’ warning

He will be represented by Melbourne-based lawyer Tony Carbone who is managing partner of Carbone Lawyers.

In June, Mr Carbone began another case against the chemical giant involving 54-year-old Melbourne gardener, Michael Ogliarolo.

Mr Wild’s case was lodged with the Victorian Supreme Court earlier this week.

Monsanto, which is owned by pharmaceutical conglomerate, Bayer, will be served writs for both cases before the end of the week, according to Mr Carbone.

Mr Carbone said the warnings on Roundup bottles were inadequate and his client’s clothes and body had been “drenched” in the herbicide over a 40-year period of use.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2019-10-10/farmer-sues-roundup-maker-monsanto/11589758