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Genetic engineering is a modern form of biotechnology that involves the transfer of genetic information (in the form of DNA sequences) across species barriers and which would not occur under normal conditions. The transgenic DNA is unstable, may give rise to unpredictable and random effects and is prone to horizontal transfer to unrelated or wild species. Genetic engineering has serious implications for sustainable agriculture and food security.
A regular vistor to South Africa needs our support!!! Saskatchewan farmers Percy and Louise Schmeiser fought Monsanto all the way to the Canadian Supreme Court when the Gene Giant accused them of violating Monsanto's patent on GM canola (oilseed rape). Percy and Louise did not want GM seeds on their property and they did not try to benefit from the herbicide-tolerant trait in the GM seed (that is, they didn't spray Roundup weedkiller). Yet, Monsanto came onto their land without permission, dug around to establish that GM canola had contaminated the Schmeisers' farm, and then blamed the family for the company's failure to control its own technology. Take Action! Readers are invited to join the international protest by demanding action. Tell Monsanto where to go
 Earthlife Africa along with sixty groups representing farmer, consumer, environmental and development organisations from 15 African countries have sent an open letter of protest to the World Food Programme (WFP). These groups are protesting against the pressure exerted by the WFP and USAID on Sudan and Angola over their respective decisions to impose restrictions on GM food aid. The groups are demanding that the WFP and USAID immediately desist from misleading the governments of Angola and Sudan with a scenario of NO CHOICE, and forcing them to accept GM food aid.This not the first time that Earthlife Africa has taken up the Food Aid issue as during the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, Earthlife Africa supported the African Groups in opposing pressure on the Zambian Government by the USA. You may see the press statements, the letter to the World Food Programme and the new Report on Food Aid published today on our Food Aid Webpage Other Food Aid Links: Norfolk Genetic Information Network GM Food Aid and Africa GMO Update 24 Febuary 2004
Become a cyber activist today! You don't have to be lawyer, scientist or a protester, TO TAKE ACTION against GMOs. Take three easy steps to take action against Genetically Modified Organisms by joining the thousands across the world who object to GMOs in their food and environment! Step one: Monitor your local press and government gazettes for applications for permits that will allow the import or release of genetically modified organism into South Africa. Please cut out them scan and e-mail or fax them to ELA eThekwini. e-mail :[email protected] Fax: 0880312011119 Step Two We will post these applications on Earthlife Africa website and send out ACTION ALERTS! for cyber activist to e-mail fax their objections to the register of GMOs as per the application.  Step Three Subcribe by sending a blank e-mail to:  You can also contact the following organisations for more information on GMOs Visit BioWatch South Africa Visit Friends of the Earth Intnernational Visit Third World Network 
GMO Hearings2003 Food Security 2003
Selective references from the UN Report on Agricultural Biotechnology, (Agricultural Biotechnology, Meeting the needs of the poor) misrepresent the systematic problems facing food security in developing nations. ?? |
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