Biotechnology companies are attempting a corporate take-over of the entire food chain. Farmers, especially those in developing nations, have already lost out because of subsidies and tarrifs. Meanwhile the World Trade Organisation (WTO), led by the USA, plans to bully more countries into accepting GM seeds, GM crops and unlabelled GM foods.
The WTO promotes free trade for the gain of private interests, over and above our health and the environment. Greenpeace is opposed to the globalisation that is increasing corporate power, evidenced by the agenda of the WTO.
Summary The proponents of GM crops often refer to the 'precision' of the GM technique. This briefing examines the unintended and unpredictable impacts of genetic modification by looking at the longest standing and most widely planted (largely in USA and Argentina) GM crop - Roundup Ready soya.
Almost 15,000 people voted in our GM-o-Meter polls, with an overwhelming majority saying they want food to be free from all GM ingredients.
This week we sent the results to the Government's GM Public Debate, because we want them to know the public won't swallow GM.
The GM Public Debate ran from June to July, supposedly to let the public have their say on GM foods. Despite the Government's best efforts to make sure the debate wasn't advertised, thousands of people got involved and had their say.
The Government's "independent" review of the science of GM, published today (Monday 21 July 2003), found that GM poses low risks to human health. However, the review raised doubts about the effects GM could have on the wider environment - particularly wildlife.
The report said GM has had "no verifiable untoward toxic or nutritionally deleterious effects" on human health. Greenpeace believes it is too soon to ascertain whether or not GM crops and foods are safe.
Our GM-o-Meter polls were open for business during July. Unlike the Government's GM Public Debate, which is somewhat flawed, our polling method was fast and easy!
We asked people a simple question: "Do you want your food to be free of all GM ingredients?"
The table below shows the results we've collated so far.
The European Parliament today voted to adopt strict rules that will see all GM foods labelled across the EU. The move is certain to infuriate the Bush administration and GM-lobbyists in the United States, where the European proposal was fiercely opposed. Tony Blair and the Food Standards Agency were also known to oppose the legislation. The comprehensive new rules mean that all food and animal feed containing or deriving from genetically modified organisms will have to be clearly labelled, making it possible for farmers, food producers and consumers to avoid using or eating them.
The Government's great GM public debate has begun. If you haven't heard about it, worry not - few people have.
To help the Government spread the word, and really listen to public opinion, Greenpeace supporters are launching "GM-o-Meter" polls throughout the country.
We've already done some polling outside the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in London. The FSA, our supposedly independent food watchdog, is well known for its anti-organic and pro-GM stance.
