GE Debate: Line Drawn In The Sand

The Soil & Health Association has raised the GE debate to new heights with the release of its latest magazine "The GE Issue."

A wide range of contributors and topics will ensure that "The GE Issue" becomes a must-read for New Zealanders wanting a non-corporate understanding of the issues involved in the GE debate, says editor, Valerie Cowperthwaite (09 528 1013, or 021 630 094).

Soil & Health, together with RAGE and Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Genetics, has pulled together quality contributions from over twenty scientists, ethicists, organic growers, politicians and ordinary consumers.

Valerie Cowperthwaite says that it is time to draw the line in the sand. Society doesn't want science to be put up to the highest bidder.

"The GE Issue" asks the question, "Do we want human genes in the food chain?" It points out that the first GE food supplement has already killed scores of people and left thousands severly maimed. It highlights many of the myths perpetrated by scientists and pro big-business politicians bullied by the USA government. Our own politicians have been saying that genetic engineering is simply speeding up the natural process. Really? How do you get human genes into sheep, for example, naturally?

"The GE Issue" notes that to allow one farmer to grow GE crops will deny organic growers their right to grow an uncontaminated, certifiable crop.

"The GE Issue" demands that an ethical debate takes place. It highlights a government inquiry report that says that scientists are not qualified to make social judgements as to what is 'safe.' The only people who are qualified to do that are ordinary citizens.

Brendan Hoare, President of Soil & Health, (09 528 2988) highlights a vision for New Zealand and points out that the New Zealand government has recently been quoted as saying that New Zealand will be totally organic by the year 2020. But, as Brendan notes, GE crops and organic crops are incompatible.

New Zealand stands at the threshhold of a window of opportunity; New Zealand's geographic isolation affords us the unique opportunity to embrace a GE-Free environment and receive premium prices for our farm produce. Going down the GE road will mean that farmers remain price takers.

"The GE Issue" is is a must read for anyone concerned about the future of the quality of our food and the quality of our environment. It is available from the Soil & Health office 09 480 4440 @ $9.95 per single issue, $75 for 10 copies or by negotiation for larger bulk orders. Also available from health shops & some bookshops.

(NB This particular issue not available from supermarkets).

Media copies available from Valerie Cowperthwaite.

ENDS

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