November 16, 2005

French farmer imprisoned for destroying Pioneer GMO corn

A militant French farmer was sentenced Tuesday to four months in prison for destroying a field of genetically modified corn planted by an American seed company in southern France.

Jose Bove, the farmer turned anti-globalisation activist, stood trial in September with eight others, including a Green Party lawmaker and a French member of the European Parliament, both of whom received three-month sentences Tuesday. Five other defendants were handed two-month suspended sentences.

The field in the town of Menville, near the southern city of Toulouse, belonged to Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., a DuPont (DD) subsidiary based in Johnston, Iowa.

Bove served five weeks in prison in 2003 for destroying a field of genetically modified corn and rice crops. As a repeat offender, he received the highest penalty Tuesday. Bove's attorney said his client planned to appeal.