Western Australia canola growers consider legal action over TruFlex issues

Grain growers in Western Australia are considering legal action, potentially through a class action lawsuit, following widespread issues with canola varieties featuring Bayer’s TruFlex herbicide tolerance trait. The problems, which include poor vigour, poor podding, and pod abortion, have been reported across various cultivars from multiple seed companies.

Mark Fowler, president of WAFarmers grains section, stated that an increasing number of growers have reported yields significantly below expectations. While proving that the TruFlex trait caused the decline rather than seasonal conditions may be difficult, Fowler noted the issue appears to extend beyond isolated cases. Potential financial losses, including seed costs and lost income, are estimated to reach tens of millions of dollars.