Birmingham Friends of the Earth Action Briefing June /July 1999

Food campaign gathers momentum

Due to changes in personnel in recent months, Birmingham FOE's Food Campaign has been relatively dormant, but I'm relieved to tell you that this situation is about to change. Thanks to a massive influx of new dynamic campaigners(!) and a slight bit of reorganisation, we are now equipped to face the challenges facing us. The next few months are going to be busy as we plan to intensify the food campaign, and as ever, we will keep you up-to-date with a series of stimulating articles that are planned for the following issues of 'Action Briefing'. However, we are not alone in our attempt to highlight the debate and controversy surrounding genetically modified foods. During the last week we have received loads of useful and revealing information concerning the 'Five Year Freeze' campaign. This campaign brings together like-minded organisations (including Friends of the Earth) that are concerned about the increasing threat of genetic engineering in food and farming.

We are calling for a five year freeze on:

• the growing of genetically engineered crops for commercial purposes
• imports of genetically engineered foods and farm crops
• the patenting of genetic resources for food and farm crops

A five year freeze would enable a full and proper debate concerning the controversial issues that surround genetic engineering. The freeze would enable the development of:

• a system where people can exercise their right to choose products free of genetic engineering
• public involvement in decisions on the need for, and the regulation of, genetic engineering
• prevention of genetic pollution of the environment
• strict legal liability for adverse effects on people or the environment, from the release and marketing of genetically modified organisms
• independent assessment of the implications of patenting genetic resources, and
• independent assessment of the social and economic impact of genetic engineering on farmers

Now is the time to act on the issue of genetic engineering, tomorrow will be too late. This is the reason why Birmingham FoE is intensifying its campaign against genetically modified food and why we need your help to make this a success. Attached to this edition of 'Action Briefing' you will find a 'Five Year Freeze' postcard. By filling in your details and sending this postcard to your MP, you too can make a difference.

Peter Townsend