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BC THE ORGANIC WAY by Marya Skrypiczajko
Again and again, polls indicate that Canadians are opposed to genetically engineered foods for a number of reasons: no long-term testing has been done on humans who consume GE foods; it is hazardous to the preservation of biodiversity in general; it contaminates ancient varieties of food crops in particular; and it allows for the corporate control of agriculture, meaning that seeds can be patented, which strips farmers of their right to save seeds from their own crops.
Despite this body of evidence, the Canadian government has supported the biotech industry for more than 20 years by allowing the industry to test-grow GE seeds in Canada, and by promoting the message that GE foods are safe to eat; the government has never agreed to the mandatory labelling of GE products, thereby effectively eliminating consumers’ right to choose.
Well, biotech firms beware! A grassroots campaign to declare municipalities and regional districts GE-free is growing across BC. Although still in its infancy, the movement is receiving widespread support from farmers, environmentalists, food democracy advocates, organic businesses, and the Council of Canadians. Inspired by Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser, who was sued by biotech giant Monsanto for purportedly growing the company’s patented seed on his land illegally, when it had, in fact, blown into his ditch and self-propagated, movement supporters are working municipality by municipality to prevent this from ever happening to BC’s farmers.
GE-free crop zones will ensure that regions remain free of any propagation or cultivation of genetically engineered organisms by individuals, farms, or agricultural corporations. The Powell River Regional District was the first region in Canada to pass such a declaration of policy, when it defined Powell River and the surrounding area as GE-free in June 2004. This is a red flag to anyone who may be interested in growing genetically engineered foods in the Powell River area; it clearly demonstrates that they are unwelcome.
The process in Powell River began when a group of concerned farmers approached their regional district board. Luckily for the farmers, both the local government and the community were receptive, and after taking a closer look at the facts surrounding genetic engineering, the regional board took a stand against GE and designated the area GE-free to protect the local, agricultural economy.
As a result, organic and conventional farmers in the Powell River area now have a market advantage. Their crops are not vulnerable to contamination by genetically engineered crops on nearby farms, nor do they risk losing their organic status because a conventional farm is growing GE seed in adjacent fields. This is significant because there is zero tolerance for GE products in much of the world’s agriculture market.
The GE-free Canada campaign was launched in June 2005. In BC, the Council of Canadians hopes to help 20 municipalities across BC and the Yukon declare themselves GE-free within the next few years. The Coalition for a GE-Free BC is a volunteer organization with a diverse group of supporters, including Farm Folk City Folk, Small Potatoes Urban Delivery, Oxfam, members of the Slow Food movement, and many individuals from across BC and the Yukon.
The Council of Canadians currently steers the province-wide movement and helps local chapters become established enough to run successful regional campaigns. In addition to raising awareness about the movement, the coalition helps foster regional independence and develops internal structures, which best serve the goal of banning genetic engineering. Committees are being set up to work on getting resolutions passed at the municipal level, develop restaurant outreach, provide education, fundraise, and help businesses be socially responsible.
To get involved, contact your local chapter of the Council of Canadians, or check out the coalition’s website at www.gefreebc.org. There are many opportunities to help local networks with educational campaigns and to lobby local politicians. You can also sign the petition on the website, write to your municipal and regional governments with your concerns, and vote with your dollar by buying locally grown, organic foods.
The Council of Canadians is at www.canadians.org
Marya Skrypiczajko is the author of BC the Organic Way – Where to Find Organic Food in British Columbia
www.bctheorganicway.com
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