Fwd: GM crops are economic disaster - read our new report

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 18/09/02 15:55:11 GMT Daylight Time,

GM.list writes:

 

 

> Dear supporter

>

> Today the Soil Association publishes 'Seeds of Doubt' - an

> explosive report that shows the devastating impact of commercial

> genetically modified (GM) crop planting in North America.

>

> READ OUR FINDINGS AND TAKE ACTION TODAY...

>

> 1 ONLINE AT:

> http://212.134.64.242:86/ss?click & sas & 3d820a4a

>

>

> 2 OR TELL ME MORE NOW (just read on...)

>

> This major new report shows that GM crops have been an economic

> disaster in the USA and Canada. 'Seeds of Doubt' is the first

> detailed look at what has happened in North America since the

> commercial growing of GM crops started in 1996.

>

> This study has gathered sufficient evidence to debunk the myth

> that GM technology represents progress.

>

> The evidence suggests that, in reality, virtually every benefit

> claimed for GM food crops has NOT occurred. Instead, farmers

> are reporting lower yields, continuing dependency on chemical

> sprays, loss of exports and, critically, reduced profits. This

> is leaving farming even more vulnerable to the interests of

> biotechnology companies and in need of subsidies.

>

> The report makes disturbing reading at a time when a decision

> has to be made in the UK about the commercial introduction of

> GM crops. We hope our report will lead to a better informed

> public debate and a more independent, less pressurised

> decision.

>

> The government has asked its advisory body, the Agriculture

> and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC), to arrange

> a GM public debate. This will take place before any commercial

> growing of GM crops. This debate is a crucial opportunity

> for organic food consumers, farmers, processors and retailers

> to tell the government what they think. We hope our report

> will be a helpful contribution.

>

> Read the summary of our report online at

> http://212.134.64.242:86/ss?click & sas & 3d820a4a

> If you share our concerns, there are two simple things you can

> do which will make a real difference:

>

>

> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>

> WHAT YOU CAN DO...

>

> ACTION 1: Write to a national or local paper highlighting North

> American farmers' experiences of GM crops - you may like to use

> the report summary as a basis for your letter. Please remember

> to send us a copy of any letters that are published or any

> correspondence you receive (contact details below).

>

> ACTION 2: Ring the customer care line of your local

> supermarket (list of numbers below). Tell them:

> + You buy organic food from them and you want to be able to buy

> UK produced organic food whenever possible.

> + That you are worried that if commercial planting of GM crops

> goes ahead in the UK, all farms will become contaminated by GM

> and will you not be able to buy uncontaminated British food,

> even if it's organic food.

> + Ask the supermarket what they are going to do to make sure

> this doesn't happen.

> + Please send us any replies (contact details below).

>

> ASDA 0500 100 055

> Co-op (CWS) 0800 317 827

> Iceland Foods 01244 842 842

> Marks & Spencer 0207 268 1234

> Safeway 016722 712 899

> Sainsbury's 0800 636 262

> Somerfield 0117 935 6669

> Tesco 0800 50 55 55

> Waitrose 0800 188 884

>

>

> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>

> WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

> - Make a donation to our GM appeal online at:

> http://www.soilassociation.org/sa/saweb.nsf/donationgm

> (some of you will also be sent our special GM appeal pack)

> - Not already a Soil Association member? To join us just send

> an email to memb and quote ref EMGM

>

>

> Thank you for your support. Kind regards

>

> Alissa Cook, policy assistant

> --------------------------------

> Soil Association

> Bristol House, 40-56 Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6BY

> E: action

> T: 0117 914 2433

> F: 0117 925 2504

> W: http://www.soilassociation.org

> Campaigning for organic food and farming and

> sustainable forestry.

>