News | Make GM-free History
Ground-breaking agreements are emerging in Ireland. Not only has the Irish Green Party agreed to form a coalition government with the Fianna Fail, but also they have agreed to negotiate for the WHOLE island of Ireland too become a GM-free zone.
The leader of the Irish Green Party said “The establishment of Ireland as a GMO-free zone is a project that I will throw myself into in a very enthusiastic fashion, because we don't have much time to rescue that status for this country, and it's one that is so vital to us as food-producing island which is operating in markets that are overwhelmingly looking for GM-free food, and if we lose that status that's it, we cannot go back.”
GM-free Ireland Network has already brought the main farmers organisations on both sides of the border together with Brazil's largest exporter of certified non-GMO soya beans, for exploratory discussions to phase out the use of GM animal feed in Irish farming. Participants included high level representatives of the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association, the Irish Cattle and Sheepfarmers Association, and the Northern Ireland branch of the UK National Beef Association.
OUR COMMENT
In view of First Minister, Alec Salmond's, historic agreements with his counterparts in Northern Ireland, this is an initiative Scotland would do well to join. Time for a quick word with your MSP along the lines of:
Dear (MSP),
Genetically Modified Food and Feed
Noting the initiative being taken by the new Green Party - Fianna Fail coalition in Ireland to make the whole island of Ireland a GM0-free zone, recognising the consistent public concern about GM in the food chain, and noting the historic and current links between Ireland and Scotland, it would be entirely appropriate for us to join this move. Please raise this proposition with all bodies and MSPs responsible for food, agriculture and the environment, and with our First Minister.
Since Westminster is under new management, this would be a good time to have a similar word with your MP. In his inaugural speech, our new Prime Minister reportedly promised the new government would be servants of the people and would use the driving power of social consciousness. However, he seemed to equate 'health' measures with enabling the NHS to pick up the pieces more efficiently after poor diet has done its job. Perhaps he needs reminding at this stage that well-nourished people get sick a lot less than junk-infused ones. The first place to start with health is with food: fresh, local, chemical-free, unprocessed, non-genetically polluted food. The above letter can also be adapted along the lines of:
Dear (MP),
Genetically Modified Food and Feed
Noting the initiative being taken by the new Green Party- Fianna Fail coalition in Ireland to make the whole island of Ireland a GM0-free zone, recognising the consistent public concern about GM in the food chain, and noting the historic links between Ireland and Britain, it would be entirely appropriate for the UK to join this move. Please raise this proposition with all bodies and MPs responsible for food, agriculture and the environment and with our Prime Minister.
SOURCES
- GM-Free Ireland Press Release14.06.07
- Guardian 25.06.07
- Scotsman 18.06.07