Farmers could soon be swapping writs over paddock fences as the battle over the introduction of genetically modified crops moves into the legal system.

Anti-GM farmers are worried that their crops will become contaminated and export markets will dry up. The Network of Concerned Farmers, which opposed GM crops, is distributing letters to pro-GM farmers, warning them they’ll face personal legal action to recover any losses caused by the introduction of the controversial seeds. But pro-GM farmers say the campaign is nonsense.