The cyberaction was a success!

Dear Friends,


Thanks to your superb support, which, in combination with Polish efforts, led to more than 40 parliamentarians raising critical questions about the planned new GMO Act during the parliamentary reading and debate on 16th December. This was enough to force the debate to be prolonged into February 2010. At that point it will have to go through both the agricultural and environment committees, both of which will have to ratify the act for it to become law.

While we have not achieved 'a ban', what has emerged is a stalling of the government's intentions. This will buy us a little more time to try and persuade members of the agricultural and environment committies to think again - and to take the 'precautionary' route - via introducing a ban of the GM maize MON 810 and ensuring that Poland is not subjected to a dysfunctional Act of Parliament that would allow 'special zones' for planting GM crops and 'co-existence' between GM and non GM crops.

Parliamentarians complained that they had received hundreds of emails on this subject that jammed their computers. This is a great endorsement of everyone's efforts - East and West of the Channel! Hope springs eternal...

We will be back to you again in the New Year for the next round.

A very Happy Christmas to all - and a GMO Free New Year!

Cyber Action: Send a letter to the Chairman of the Polish Parliament

Dear Friends,
 
The Polish parliament has chosen December 15th 2009 for a debate and vote on the new ‘GMO Act’ that, if passed, will open the door for planting GM crops on Polish soil, based on EU standards that authorise co-existence between GM and non GM crops on a commercial scale.
 
In spite of more than two years of constant lobbying, demonstrating and letter campaigning, the Tusk government has failed to introduce a ban of the controversial GM maize MON 810 which has now been banned in 7 EU Countries, including Germany and France. It has also refused to maintain the previous government’s ban of all import and trading of GM seeds and plants.
So, just 10 days before Christmas, they will try and sneak through a new act that will lay the ground for the first legal planting of GM crops on Polish soil. It is a classic example of political manipulation and corporate connivance.
 
Friends – this is our most important moment for action – we must prevent this new act becoming law.  Even at this, the 11th hour, we can show the Polish government that there is serious international resistance to the genetically engineered pollution of the beautiful Polish countryside, with its 1.5 million small peasant farmsteads and fine farmhouse foods.
 
Join our Polish colleagues in defiance of this cowardly and secretive attempt to defy the wishes of 70% of Polish citizens and the majority of Polish farmers. Write today (only 10 days left) to the chairman of the Polish Parliament – demanding a veto of this new ‘GMO Act’ and a ban of both MON 810 and any future GMO seeds and plants that the EU may decide to authorise.

 Draft GMO Act
*************************************************************

Dear Chairman Komorowski,

I am writing to you today as a concerned citizen of Europe. As you know the Polish parliament will debate and vote on the new ‘GMO Act’ on December 15th 2009. If passed, the Act will open the door for planting GM crops on Polish soil, based on EU standards that authorise co-existence between GM and non GM crops on a commercial scale.

Seven European countries have already banned the planting of MON 810, the only GM crop authorized for commercial planting in the EU. Poland’s neighbour, Germany, recently banned MON 810 in 2009 due to environmental safety concerns.

Please consider the irreversible impact that GM crops would have on Poland’s unique natural biodiversity if GM seeds are authorized for planting. Eighty percent of all European citizens and seventy percent of Polish citizens are opposed to GMOs. Please do not ignore them.

I would urge you to follow the precautionary principle in this matter. Please act wisely, and do not subject your country to a genetic experiment that could have devastating repercussions on future generations, biodiversity and GM-free agriculture.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your message]

 

  Petition to the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh: I am No Labrat

Over the last 3 months, thousands of consumers wrote to the health minister Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss urging him to stop the commercialization of Genetically Modified (GM) BT Brinjal in India. On December 10th 2008 Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss declared that he is against GM technology.

A second call has been launched to petition the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and take this war against GM forward.

Read More about the action: www.iamnolabrat.com

CONFERENCE 2009: Food and Democracy
To a minister of another countryTo a minister of another country