Last Chance GM Rally
On Saturday 9th March members of Birmingham FOE and Redditch FOE attended a genetically
modified (GM) crop rally at Long Marston near Stratford -upon-Avon.
The crop in question is oilseed rape into which Aventis has inserted herbicide
resistance genes.
One of the problems with GM crops is that the genes don't stay put. In Canada,
escaped genes from three different crops have combined in a single plant to create
a new "super-weed", resistant to three different herbicides. The only way to kill
these super-weeds is to use much more toxic pesticides.
Alistair kindly drove a minibus, setting off from Birmingham with a PA, TV and
Video for the rally. Arriving in Stratford, we set up the PA, greeted old friends
from other groups and watched the construction of a giant bee which would lead
the march.
After some entertaining street theatre, dramatising the situation, came very
well informed speakers, discussing the lack of scientific validity of the GM
"trials", the problems associated with GM crops plus examples of positive action
which can be taken - such as buying from Farmers Market. Around 300 people attended
the rally.
Then we joined the march through Stratford, led by a samba band and featuring
the giant bee, a 10 foot strand of multi-coloured DNA and various colourful props
and costumes. We provided quite a spectacle for local residents and Shakespeare-tourists
alike.
We boarded the coaches and soon arrived at the village nearest to the crop, Long
Marston, and set off to see the field. We were greeted by police handing out
notices warning us not to trespass. Undaunted, more than 60 protesters entered
the field and removed the crop - some rolling around in it and throwing handfuls
into the air before settling down to a more structured approach.
The protesters were videoed for about half an hour before a dozen policemen entered
the field. As they got closer, the majority of the protesters made a run for
it. The police followed, and some protesters doubled back and resumed their picking.
When the police came back, and started to walk toward this group, they all stood
up, linked arms and gave a Mexican Wave to the police, media and protesters outside
the field. They then crouched down again and continued with their work - very
determined. You will be pleased to know that both sides acted very peacefully
and that there was no trouble at all.
All in all, we were inspired to see local people and activists taking control
of their local environment, and the action received national media coverage.
Add in all the nice people and the wonderful food and you couldn't ask for more
of a fun day out in the countryside
For more reports on the day see: http://uk.indymedia.org
Andy Pryke
NB: Although Birmingham FOE attended the rally, and witnessed the removal of
the GM crop, we did not take an active part in the crop removal, or enter the
field in which it was occurring. This is because Birmingham FOE acts strictly
within the law.