reprinted by
Offshoot.
Why we must resist the new dictatorship of genetically modified foods.The large agrochemical companies will soon be in a position to dictate the future of the food industry. And they know just how they want our food to be produced - in ways which will maximise their own profits. That means using the gene technology which they have patented and can control, despite the risk of irreversible global consequences for the rest of us.
Combining genetic material from plants and animals which could never breed naturally will:
Jeopardise the safety and quality of our food - Genes can act differently when moved from one species to another, creating new and unknown dangers.
Endanger wildlife - Modem farming methods, based on chemicals, have already caused widespread losses of farmland birds. The government's own conservation body, English Nature, has warned that using genetically modified crops 'could increase these losses considerably.'
Threaten our environment - Once a genetically modified plant is released into the open no-one can predict the way it will behave in an uncontrolled environment. There isn't even a legal requirement to check and see what happens.
Deny food choice - Some of the companies concerned are refusing to segregate crops which contain modified genes from those which don't. This makes it impossible to have a proper labelling scheme, which would allow people to make up their own minds about whether or not they should eat the products of gene technology.
With vast sums of money staked on researching and developing a whole range of new genetic modifications, the official view of the way ahead for our food is clear. It will be genetically modified whether we like it or not.
Scientific evidence suggests that this technology is likely to result in:
Become Informed - We don't need to be scientists, but we do need to know how we feel about the issues involved and have enough information so that we won't be fobbed off by the usual responses that are given. Huge sums of money are being spent in a PR exercise to convince us all that this technology is both safe and desirable.
Talk to people about it - Once people understand what is going on most are horrified and want to know what they can do.
Boycott Products that contain Genetically Modified organisms (GMOs) - Ask your local shops, restaurants, schools and hospitals to do the same.
Raise Awareness in the Media - If you write letters, you are often given more space than the journalists writing about the issues!
Find out if you have a local test site - call 0181 374 9516.
Organise Local Talks and Debates
Contact your local MP - convince him/her to ask questions in Parliament.
Speak to Farmers in your area - Ask them if they will pledge not to grow genetically engineered crops.
An unprecedented 200,000 letters written to the USDA in complaint forced them to abort their plans to modify the organic standards.
In Austria, citizens have come together and stopped the biotech industry in its tracks.
In Switzerland, citizens have forced their government to call a referendum.
In England, campaign groups are beginning to form all over the country.
Above all, do something. Even if all you can do is make a two minute phone call to your local MP - or write a letter to a supermarket you will be registering your opposition to this type of manipulation of our food chain, SO JUST DO IT! For articles, research papers, contact details of local groups, details of how to set up an effective local campaign or leaflets explaining the risks of GMOs please write to...
Harry Hadaway, GMO campaign, Soil Association Bristol House, 40-5li Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6BY.
Or phone our GMO help line on 0117 914 2449.
Produced by the Soil Association, 86 Colston Street, Bristol BS I 5 B B . Tel: 0117 999 0661, fax: 0117 925 2504. Email soilassoc@gn.apc.org.
reprinted by
Offshoot.
