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In this bundle, messages on GE food from:
- Fran Morrison
- Daniel Haran
- Trina Lasch
- Paul Shreenan
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: shalimars@ns.sympatico.ca (Frances Morrison)
http://www.natural-law.ca/genetic/NewsJan-Feb98/GENews1-30CdnCampn.html
Pertaining to Genetically Engineered foods, the populus in US is
undertaking a letter-writing campaign. After a bit of checking, I found
that the above URL is the Canadian site for a petition against GE foods...
if anyone is interested.
Fran
To Learn More Please Visit:
www.safe-food.org
www.greenpeace.org/~geneng
www.purefood.org
www.rafiusa.org
www.thecampaign.org
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Daniel Haran <ah813@chebucto.ns.ca>
Inserting genes can be unreliable even if it is from the same type of
plant because we're not quite able to make sure the gene goes in the spot
we want.
But in one article I read, a geneticist pointed to the possibility of
using the knowledge we already possess to accelerate conventional
breeding. e.g. we could determine with gen. testing if certain plants had
a recessive character before we crossed them, so we wouldn't need to grow
large amounts of specimens of which most would be 'useles'. the making of
seeds, though, would remain Nature's task.
I have to say, though, that I'm rather unconcerned with the promises of
the "life-sciences" industry. Does anyone remember the promise of "energy
too cheap to meter" (nuclear)? Our problem is not our inability to produce
enough food, but our lack of political will to distribute what exists
fairly enough so all may be fed.
It's all fine and well to think about academic questions like the safety
of our new magic bullet technologies, but let's not forget that many a
"Third World" farmer has asked us to stop the threat to their subsistence
livelihoods that coporations like Monsanto represent. While Indian Farmers
are suing their government and Monsanto, North Americans seem entranced by
all the coporate PR.
Hopefully you'll all join/start organizations to work on this vital issue.
The only thing that's in the way of stopping it right now is this North
American silence.
Peace- d.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Trina Lasch" <trina_lasch@hotmail.com>
Point taken, however, I don't believe that groups concerned about Genetic
Engineering are "simply reiterating a blanket condemnation of all biotech
methods".
We do feel that long term testing of trans-species gene combination should
take place before these foods are offered to consumers! (For example: the
FlavrSavr tomato in which a fish gene is inserted to delay ripening)
Any food product that has been created in a lab and could never occur in
nature needs to be tested over a long period of time by independent
scientists rather being tested by the Bio-chemical companies who are selling
it. Releasing these products into the environment and placing them without a
label on grocery store shelves is dangerous and irreponsible on the part of
both the government and these companies.
As well,I think reducing GE down to health and environmental issues is
neglecting the serious ethical, social and economic issues surrounding
biotechnology.
There are serious concerns about the implications of large companies
patenting and controlling seed. This situation is already affecting the most
basic of human rights which is the right to eat. Statistics are showing that
the only winners in genetic engineering thus far are the Agri-chemical
companies and the retailers selling the end product. Farmers on the other
hand are losing out.(Not to mention consumers)
Biotechnology is not neutral in its impacts--the same companies that are
producing Btcorn and RoundUp Ready Soy Bean are patenting "Terminator" &
"Verminator" seeds. The former are seeds that don't germinate, the latter
need specific chemicals to grow.
Obviously, I don't know all there is to know about genetic enginering---and
I don't speak for every person who is educating and taking action on genetic
engineering--however, I do know enough to be concerned. It's unfortunate
that this concern is coming across as over zealous.
Respectfully,
Trina Lasch
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Shreenan Paul # Interdisciplinary Studies So <pshreena@shark.stmarys.ca>
Dear Sust-mar and Faisal,
Good news there.
> Monsanto has just announced that it will not bring its "terminator
> seeds" to market due to public protest. Congratulations to all those activists
> who have campaigned against Monsanto.
Somehow I doubt that the company will simply give
up on the technology because some people are afraid of the possible
consequences. What are the chances that it will simply continue with
the project in a slightly different form?
If anyone would like to come to Ecolos at CKDUto discuss the
significance of these recent events and their likely impact on the
future course of this research feel free to reply to me personally.
The show would be recorded and could be a valuable educational tool
for many of us in the community.
Act!
Paulo
Paul Shreenan, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.(abd) < ){{><
Department of Sociology
Saint Mary's University
Halifax, N.S., Canada, B3H 3C3
pshreena@shark.stmarys.ca
(902) 453-5985 < )XXx><
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The preceding message was posted on Sustainable Maritimes (sust-mar)
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