The Editor,
The confusion around GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and the misleading information publicized by large agribusinesses is about to become clearer.
A group of people from the Tri-Cities and Maple Ridge areas are planning to take petitions to our city councils requesting that a resolution banning GMOs in our communities be passed and that we are declared GE-free zones. We plan to host movie events to share information about GMOs, as well as leaflet and gather signatures for petitions.
In September, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) passed a resolution to ban genetically modified organisms, also known as genetically engineered (GE) foods, in all of B.C. The resolution reads: To declare through legislation that the province of B.C. is a GE-free area in respect to all plant and animal species." This was passed approximately 60/40 by our elected municipal politicians from all of B.C. Now it's time to ask our municipal governments to put pressure on our provincial government to protect our food, our health and our environment from GE crops, trees and animals.
GE alfalfa, apples and salmon are close to being approved in Canada. B.C. produces 30% of the apples grown in Canada, which is about 80% of all B.C. tree fruit production.
Corporate control is a real threat to our food security (GE seeds are patented) by biotechnology corporations. The only value of GE crops is profit for corporations.
Many countries have banned GMOs and many more have mandatory labelling. Canada and the U.S., although the majority of people have said in many polls that they want it, have neither.
I believe it is our responsibility to learn about genetically engineered crops and to demand our government ban these foods until they have been proven to be safe. In the meantime, please protect your families and send a loud message to food companies by becoming aware of GMOs and refusing to buy any product that contains them.
Teresa Lynne,
Port Coquitlam
