| GE Free NZ, 30th
May 2003
Report shows GE will not feed the world. A new report 'Going Against the Grain' released by Action Aid reveals that at best GM crops are irrelevant to poor farmers, at worst they threaten to push them deeper into debt. Making third world farmers more reliant on expensive seeds and chemicals, and not permitting them to save seed from one harvest to the next is causing significant problems for growers. 'Terminator technology' is also being developed that produces sterile seeds.' The report points out that the US biotech industry spends $250 million a year, promoting GM. Suggesting that the public should not believe the hype over GE crops Matthew Lockwood, Action Aid's Head of Policy said "GM does not provide a magic bullet solution to world hunger. " It concludes that rather than alleviating world hunger, the new technology is likely to exacerbate food insecurity, leading to more not less, hungry people. Another related article shows the Cartegena Protocol, an international treaty signed by over 100 countries, which allows countries to decide whether or not to import living genetically modified organisms is likely to come into force shortly. 'With 49 countries of over the 100 that have already signed, now having ratified the treaty, only one more is necessary for it to come into force, this, apparently, may well be Britain,' said Susie Lees of GE Free New Zealand. 'The New Zealand cabinet will be making decisions on their ratification of the Protocol within the nest few months.' For more information: Susie Lees 03 546 7966 |
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GE-Free New Zealandin food and environment (RAGE Inc.) |