Farmer fought against Monsanto
Company sued for using seeds without licence
Percy Schmeiser, a Saskatchewan farmer who became famous during his legal battle with global agrochemical giant Monsanto, has died.
John Schmeiser said his father died quietly on Tuesday at the age of 89. He had Parkinson's disease, his son said Wednesday.
Percy Schmeiser, who was from Bruno, Sask., came into the spotlight in the late 1990s after he was sued and taken to court by Monsanto for using its genetically modified canola seeds without a licence.
He denied intentionally using the company' s herbicide- resistant Roundup Ready seeds, saying they could have blown over from a neighbour's farm or passing trucks.
The case went to the Supreme Court of Canada, which ruled that he infringed on Monsanto's patent but did not have to pay damages to the company.
His death comes days after a movie about his life, simply called Percy, was released.
Oscar-winning actor Christopher Walken stars as Schmeiser in the film that hit select theatres Friday in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon.
In a statement Wednesday, producer Daniel Bekerman said the filmmaking team developed a profound respect and admiration for Schmeiser.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing. The Schmeiser family are wonderful people and we send our love to them,” Bekerman said. “We are honoured to play a part in telling the story of a man who stood by his principles in the face of tremendous adversity.”
The CBC s poke with Schmeiser's lawyer, Terry Zakreski, who was with him throughout the landmark case, said the farmer, portrayed as grumpy, was very different from real life.
“Notwithstanding all that pressure that he was under every morning … when we went to court, he had a smile on his face as big as all of Saskatchewan,” Zakreski told the CBC. “He was very jovial.”
Schmeiser's story has been controversial. Some in the agriculture industry have criticized the Percy trailer on social media, saying it contains inaccuracies, including its depiction of Schmeiser as innocent.
Schmeiser's son said a private service will be held for the family.