Editor:
A grassroots campaign called GE (genetically engineered) Free BC has been sweeping the province over the last couple of years.
To date, more than 60 municipal councils have endorsed resolutions sponsored by local citizens to “support the creation of a GE Free Zone ... based on objection to the release into the environment of genetically engineered/modified organisms until the long term consequences of such products and organisms are fully understood, or have been sufficiently shown to have no deleterious environmental, economic and health effects.”
Currently, our organization is supporting this petition in Grand Forks because we understand that the proliferation of genetically engineered crops have generated human health concerns, crop contamination, environmental and economic concerns when independent studies are taken into consideration.
Anyone interested can pursue further information at www.gefreebc.wordpress.com/ or the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network: www.cban.ca
People can add their signatures until the end of tomorrow (Aug. 15) at the New West Trading Co and Pedaller’s Place on Market Avenue, as well as Dr. Salmon’s Chiropractic Office on Third Avenue.
The petition will be non-binding on local Council when it is presented to them on Aug. 19 but will be a clear indication of our great concern about the unproven nature of GE crops and the threats newly-developed genetically modified alfalfa and apples present to regular and organic agriculture in the region.
It is our hope that council will not only honour our views on this topic, but be willing to vote for the motion to make the entire province a GE free zone when our representatives attend the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention this fall.
Sheila Dobie, chair, Grand Forks and Boundary Regional Agriculture Society