A motion has been tabled that could see the Federal Government compensate organic farmers for contamination from genetically-modified crops.

The move has been prompted by cases such as that of organic farmers Steve Marsh, who faces an $804,000 bill for a lost court battle over GM contamination.

Marsh failed in a bid last year to sue neighbouring farmer Michael Baxter, in which he claimed he lost organic certification for over half his farm after Baxter’s genetically modified canola drifted on to his land.

He now faces an legal costs bill though there is still an option for appeal.

Greens senator Rachel Siewert said she would table a motion in state parliament this week that would ask the commonwealth to create a national GM contamination insurance scheme.

The fund would ensure any clean-up costs and loss of income are paid for by levies on GM crops.

The motion also calls for the retention of a WA Government legislative framework that defines GM-free areas within WA.

The Government has recently signalled it intends to review the act.

Late last year, the state government asked the Organic Industry Standards and Certification Council to increase the GM tolerance level from zero to 0.9 per cent.

The application was rejected.