A federal judge has decided that the bulk of lawsuits by thousands of farmers against Syngenta over a genetically engineered corn variety will proceed to trial, reports DTN. The lawsuit blame Syngenta for lost revenue stemming from China’s rejection of shipments of U.S. corn that contained the Syngenta strain. The variety, sold under the brand name Viptera, was approved for commercial use by U.S. officials in 2013. China did not clear the variety for its market until last December.
Although U.S. District Judge John Lungstrum “rejected some of the claims made in the cases, he also largely denied Syngenta’s motions to dismiss the bulk of the claims and arguments made by farmers in the case. Lungstrum also allowed plaintiffs a chance to amend their claims in the case by Oct. 4.”