Newsroom
2001
July 31, 2001
Groups oppose approval of genetically modified wheat
Winnipeg—A diverse group of organizations has
joined forces to oppose the introduction of genetically modified
(GM) wheat in Canada.
The National Farmers Union (NFU), Manitoba's Keystone Agricultural
Producers (KAP) the Agricultural Producers Association of
Saskatchewan (APAS), the Saskatchewan Association of Rural
Municipalities (SARM), the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate (SOD),
the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), Greenpeace Canada, The Council of
Canadians, and the Canadian Health Coalition want the federal
government to halt the approval of genetically modified (GM) wheat
unless the concerns of farmers, consumers, and buyers of Canadian
wheat are addressed.
"It is perhaps surprising that such a diverse group would work
together like this," said spokesperson Stewart Wells. "But we are
here today because we all have one thing in common—we all
have concerns regarding the introduction of genetically modified
wheat."
The group has submitted a letter detailing its concerns to Prime
Minister Jean Chrétien (See attachment). The document is
fully supported by more than 210 industry associations, local
governments, and citizen groups across Canada. It has also drawn
the support of more than 50 Canadian experts and researchers and 60
international organizations.*
Wells said farmers are concerned about agronomic impacts and market
loss, while consumers have raised food safety, environmental damage
and regulatory adequacy as issues. He said it is time that Ottawa
took note.
"The Government of Canada must listen to the concerns of its
citizens and act in the best economic interests of farmers," said
Wells. "It must halt the approval of genetically modified
wheat."
| List of Contacts for the July 31 GM wheat news conference: | |
| Moderator | |
| Stewart Wells | (306) 741-7694 |
| National Farmers Union | (306) 773-6852 |
| Member Groups | |
| Ivan Ottenbreit | (306) 789-7774 |
| Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan | |
| Bradford Duplisea | (613) 521-3400 |
| Canadian Health Coalition | extension 219 |
| Justin Kohlman | (204) 983-3101 |
| Canadian Wheat Board | |
| Holly Penfound | (416) 723-9425 |
| Greenpeace Canada | |
| Don Dewar | (204) 648-4649 |
| Keystone Agricultural Producers | |
| Fred Tait | (204) 252-2773 |
| National Farmers Union | |
| Sinclair Harrison | (306) 435-7319 |
| Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities | |
| Marc Loiselle | (306) 258-2192 |
| Saskatchewan Organic Directorate | |
| Nadége Adam | (613) 295-0432 |
| The Council of Canadians |
July 31, 2001
The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien
Prime Minister of Canada
Langevin Block
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ont.
K1A 0A2
| cc: | Minister of Health Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board Minister of the Environment Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister of Industry Canadian Premiers |
Dear Prime Minister Chrétien:
Genetically-modified (GM) wheat raises concerns in many sectors,
both domestically and abroad. Farmers and grain industry
participants are concerned about market loss and risks to Canada's
distinguished reputation for quality wheat varieties. In addition,
farmers are concerned about agronomic impacts. Consumers are
concerned about food safety and regulatory adequacy. Citizens are
concerned about environmental damage. Organic farmers are concerned
about negative effects on Canada's successful organic sector. Not
every organization or individual that has signed this letter shares
every one of these concerns. However, for one or more of the
preceding reasons we, the undersigned, oppose, until these concerns
are dealt with, the introduction of GM wheat into the Canadian food
supply and seed supply.
Overwhelming numbers of Canadian farmers and consumers, as well as
customers for Canadian wheat overseas, have said that they do not
want GM wheat at this time. We hope the Canadian government will
act democratically, heed the wishes of its citizens, and act in the
best economic interests of farmers.
We represent diverse constituencies and interests, but we are
unified in asking that you act immediately to prevent the
introduction of GM wheat into Canadian food and fields unless the
concerns of Canadian farmers, industry, and consumers are addressed
adequately.
Signed:
More than 210 Canadian industry associations, local governments,
and citizen groups;
More than 50 Canadian experts and researchers; and
More than 60 international organizations.
* A list of signatories to the letter is available by fax (306
789-7774) or email <sbrown@apas.ca>