Petition Tag - gmo

There aren’t a whole lot of comprehensive studies out there on GMOs and the health impact they have on humans because scientists have to ask permission to do them, and because GMOs are patented by two major corporations, Monsanto and Syngenta. These patents make it extremely difficult to gain access to the information needed to study how GMOs affect human health. That said, here’s a sampling of what has been published about GMOs:

So far, there’s only been one published study on how GMO ingredients affect us when we eat them. It was in the journal Nature Biotechnology, and it found that after we eat GMO soy, some of the GMO genes are transferred to the microflora of our intestines and those GMO genes are still active.

Another study, published in Reproductive Toxicology, found Bt-toxin (used in genetically modified Bt corn) in the blood of 93 percent of the pregnant women studied and their babies. The study authors suggest that aside from eating products made from GMO crops, eating meat from animals fed GMO crops may lead to a “a high risk of exposure.”

Finally, an Italian study published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that in young and older mice fed Bt corn, there were changes to their immune systems that corresponded with allergic and inflammatory responses. In humans these same inflammatory changes are associated with arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.

So here are three studies: One reports that GMOs survive in our bodies—they aren’t killed in the stomach, as some have suggested, but travel to the intestine where they remain active in the body. Another study reports that we are exposed to these GMOs, not only from the GMO foods themselves, but also from eating animals that eat GMO foods. And finally, animal studies reveal that these GMOs may be linked to disease.

So I say, Just Label It!

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PETICIJA PROTIV PRIMJENE GENETIČKI
PROMIJENJENIH ORGANIZAMA (GMO) U HRVATSKOJ


Dragi sunarodnjaci i građani Domovine Hrvatske!

Globalna zemlja svjetskoga mira dom je svih miroljubivih ljudi dobre volje. Osnovana je 2000. g. kao zemlja bez teritorijalnih granica, sa svrhom ukidanja negativnih nacionalizama i granica koje odvajaju čovječanstvo od čovječanstva. Ona teži roditeljskom ujedinjavanju svih naroda u sreći, napretku, nepobjedivosti, obilju i bogatstvu, uz istovremeno očuvanje nacionalnog i kulturnog identiteta svakog naroda .Upravljanje ovom zemljom ne temelji se na ljudskim zakonima, već na 'neograničenoj organizirajućoj inteligenciji koja upravlja Svemirom'. (www.GlobalCountryofWorldPeace.org)

Predstavnici Globalne zemlje svjetskog mira u Hrvatskoj pokreću peticiju za očuvanje Hrvatske od genetički modificiranih organizama (GMO). Vašim imenom, prezimenom i slanjem e-maila na priložene e-mail adrese na kraju ovog teksta priključujete se ovoj peticiji. Najnovije informacije o ovoj peticiji, GMO-u i korisnim linkovima nalaze se na http://sites.google.com/site/antigmo108/

Preusmjerite ovu peticiju svojim prijateljima i svim savjesnim domoljubima i ljubiteljima života koje poznajete.

Hrvatska je među prvim europskim državama koja se nije dala pretvoriti u rasadnik opasnog sjemenja. Prije 10 godina u organizaciji udruge 'Majke za prirodni zakon', s brojnim drugim udrugama RH, prikupljeno je preko 6.000 potpisa protiv GMO u Domovini i predano Saboru RH.

Politički se savezi sklapaju i raspadaju, no savez s Prirodom ne može se izigrati. Zato svojoj djeci zauvijek ostavljamo dobro ili loše sjeme zdravlja i bogatstva.

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We must utilize logic as it concerns the use of genetically~modified organisms. Limits must be defined in terms considering public health, rather than financial considerations. We now have clean technology available to replace toxic plastics, agricultural poisons, and fuels; even jet fuel.

Governmental administration is called for to subsidize proper alternatives to environmentally~destructive practices. Please limit incentives to those corporations and individuals who are willing to "go green" in every way possible. Require that all investments [s.a. mutual funds] be limited to truly ecological sustainable projects, businesses, cooperatives, and corporations.

Empower and morally support "bioneers" who wish to implement new approaches and create jobs. Projected time~lines for transition to sustainable technologies would take too long and compromise of quality is wrong.

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--- português ---

A 17 de Agosto de 2007, cerca de 150 pessoas dirigiram-se para a Herdade da Lameira, perto de Silves, na região livre de transgénicos do Algarve, para fazer um protesto contra o cultivo de transgénicos. Na acção teve lugar uma ceifagem simbólica de menos de 1 hectare de milho transgénico.

O Algarve foi a primeira região portuguesa a declarar-se uma Zona Livre de Transgénicos. Esta propriedade, a primeira da região a cultivar milho transgénico da variedade MON810, violou a declaração e desrespeitou a vontade dos cidadãos.

Os activistas ofereceram publicamente para recultivar os 51 hectares de milho transgénico com milho biológico. A proposta foi rejeitada pelo dono da propriedade, que continua a cultivar milho transgénico.

Nos dias que seguiram a acção, a vasta atenção mediática que o MVE recebeu, instigou uma grande polémica, com ressonância em camadas do público em geral, do próprio movimento ambientalista, do governo e dos meios académicos. Nunca uma acção ambientalista recebeu tanta atenção na história recente em Portugal. Os destaques iniciais dos media não foram tanto sobre o tema da acção - a presença de organismos geneticamente modificados (OGM) em Portugal - mas antes na sua natureza espectacular e na sua componente ilegal. No entanto, numa segunda fase a atenção voltou-se também para o debate sobre OGM e os seus perigos. Por essa razão em particular, a acção do MVE foi considerada por muitas pessoas com preocupações ambientais como um grande sucesso.

Devido a esse sucesso, o actual governo, responsável por uma política favorável aos OGM, reagiu com agressividade, numa tentativa de isolar os activistas do MVE através de uma estratégia de criminalização. Esta estratégia chegou ao ponto de rotular a acção como um acto terrorista (Europol EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2008). Algumas pessoas que foram relacionadas com o caso pela polícia, correm agora o risco de ser acusadas. Em geral, tornou-se mais difícil agir contra os OGM em Portugal. Os indivíduos ou organizações que o fazem, correm um grande risco de ficar sob suspeita e vigilância das autoridades.


--- english ---

On August 17th 2007, around 150 people went to Herdade da Lameira, near Silves, in the GM Free Region of the Algarve, in Portugal, to make a protest against the cultivation of GMO (genetically modified organisms). During the symbolic action 1 hectare was mowed.

The Algarve was the first region in Portugal to be declared a GMO-Free Zone by the local authorities. This property, the first in the region which cultivated GM corn of the variety MON810, violated the declaration and disrespected the will of the citizens.

The activists publicly offered to recultivate the 51 hectares of transgenic corn with organic corn. The proposal was rejected by the owner, which continues to use GM corn, also in this year.

In the days following the action, the wide media attention MVE received instigated a large polemic, resonating into layers of the general public, the environmental movement itself, academics and even the government. Never did any environmental action achieve so much attention in the recent history of Portugal. The initial media highlights were not so much on the subject of the action, the presence of GMO in Portugal, but rather on the spectacular nature and the illegal aspect of it. However in a second phase attention shifted as well to the debate on GMO, and its dangers. For that reason alone, the action of MVE was considered by many people with environmental concerns as a great success.

Because of that success, the current Portuguese government responsible for a policy in favour of GMO has responded strongly in an attempt to isolate the activists of MVE and other environmental organisations struggling against GMO, through a strategy of criminalization. This strategy came to the point of even labeling the action as a terrorist act (Europol EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2008). Some people that have been brought in relation to the case by the police are therefore facing the risk of being prosecuted. In general, it became harder to act against GMO in Portugal. Individuals or organisations who attempt, run a high risk of being under suspicion and surveillance by authorities.

More information at soliMoVE website – http://solimove.liveinfo.nl


--- deutsch ---

Am 17. August 2007 begaben sich an die 150 Menschen zur Herdade da Lameira, die in derNähe von Silves in der gentechnikfreien Region Algarve (Portugal) liegt, um gegen den Anbau von GVO (gentechnisch veränderten Organismen) zu protestieren. Während der symbolischen Aktion wurde 1 Hektar Mais abgemäht.

Die Algarve war die erste Region in Portugal, die von der Kommunalregierung zur gentechnikfreien Region erklärte wurde. Der Eigentümer, der auf seinem Besitz als erster in der Region GVO-Mais angebaut hatte, verletzte die Erklärung und missachtete den Willen der Bürger.

Die Aktivisten boten öffentlich an, die 51 Hektar GVO-Mais mit biologischen Maissaatgut zu ersetzen, was von dem Besitzer abgelehnt wurde. Er baut auch dieses Jahr weiterhin GVO-Mais an.

In den Tagen nach der Aktion führte die breite Medienresonanz, die dem Movimento zuteil wurde, zu einer großen Polemik, die sämtliche Bevölkerungsschichten, die Umweltbewegung selbst, Akademiker- und selbst Regierungskreise erreichte.
Nie zuvor in der jüngeren Geschichte Portugals erhielt eine Aktion der Umweltbewegung soviel Aufmerksamkeit. Die Medien berichteten anfangs weniger über den eigentlichen Grund der Aktion, den Anbau von GVO, sondern konzentrierten sich mehr auf den spektakulären Charakter und den illegalen Aspekt der Aktion.
Erst in der zweiten Phase der Berichterstattung wandte sich die Aufmerksamkeit einer Diskussion rund um Gentechnik, und der Gefahr, die von ihr ausgeht, zu. Dies wurde von Umweltinteressierten im Land als großer Erfolg gewertet.

Von diesem plötzlichen Erfolg beunruhigt, antwortete die derzeitige portugiesische Regierung, die die Gentechnik wohlwollend unterstützt, mit dem Versuch die Aktivisten des Movimentos und andere Umweltgruppen, die sich ebenfalls gegen Gentechnik aussprechen, zu isolieren und zu kriminalisieren. Diese Strategie führte letztendlich dazu, dass die Aktion zu einem terroristischem Akt erklärt wurde (Europol EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2008). Einige Personen, die mit dem Fall von der Polizei in Verbindung gebracht wurden, droht eine juristische Verfolgung. Generell ist es seit der Aktion schwierig geworden, sich gegen GVO öffentlich auszusprechen. Einzelpersonen und Umweltgruppen, die dies versuchen, gehen das hohe Risiko ein, unter Generalverdacht gestellt und überwacht zu werden.

Weitere Informationen auf der Hompage von soliMoVE – http://solimove.liveinfo.nl

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Since transgenic foods have made their way onto this country's grocery shelves, many concerns have been voiced by several different groups- from those to do with the biodiversity and biological piracy in developing nations to health concerns regarding unforeseen allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance as well as environmental repercussions such as cross-pollination of non-transgenic crops by transgenic crops and new strains of plants created through the natural flow of genes from one species to another in addition to more resistant pests and weeds.

In addition, the lack of specific labeling for transgenic food products, combined with the lack of long-term testing on the effects of transgenic foods on humans, denies the consumer's right to choose between transgenic and non-transgenic foods and makes us all guinea pigs in the world's laboratory.

This is unacceptable.

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Australian farmers overwhelmingly have rejected GM crops. The NSW and Victorian governments have lifted the growing bans without consultation to farmers. The whole process of an independent investigation was corrupt with vested interests in control of the outcome.

Many people around the world believe this is an attempt to privatise the food and seed supply so giant corporations control food and seeds making the farmer dependent on the corporation.

The food supply will be controlled by 3 corporations worldwide. Seedsaving will be outlawed and if you want seeds you will be forced to buy from the corporations.

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Genetically modified crops have caused disaster in Canada with Canadian canola being polluted by contamination.The organic canola industry was destroyed. Consumers around the world do not want to eat GM foods.

Japan wants Australia to outlaw GM crops. If this was enacted Australian farmers would have a market to themselves as Japan would buy all of Australia's GM free canola.

The president of the NFF is in favour of GM crops but farmers have not had any representation from the NFF asking farmers if they are against GM crops.The NFF appears to have decided GM crops are in the best interests of farmers even though farmers themselves are divided and undecided.

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CANADIAN PROCEDURES CURRENTLY DO NOT ALLOW FOR ONLINE PETITIONS TO BE SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW IN PARLIAMENT. IF YOU WISH TO SIGN THIS PETITION, PLEASE DO SO, AS I WILL BE SUBMITING IT AS AN ATTACHMENT, BUT I WOULD PREFER TO SEND YOU A PAPER VERSION OF THE PETITION. IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE A PAPER COPY, PLEASE LEAVE ME A MESSAGE IN MY MAILBOX.

IN ENGLISH
Genetically modified organisms are, unfortunately, part of our lives. Yet most of us are unaware how deeply inbedded they are in our daily life. More worrying is the fact that very little research into transgenic food safety has been done. The consumer is, however, expected to swallow everything without a say: we are the guinea pigs in the worldwide laboratory.

There is currently no legislation requiring food labels to state whether or not our food may contain transgenic ingredients. This situation must change: consumers have a right to know what is in their food.

GMO corporations, such as Monsanto, are against such food labeling because they believe that it will biase the consumer against foods containing GMO. And rightly so, until these corporations can prove the safety of transgenic foods, and allow for independant researches to be performed, the consumers should indeed be wary of any food containing GMOs.

Currently, the only foods in Canada that can guaranty being GMO-free are organic, however, not everyone can afford these. Food safety is a democratic right. Consumers should have the choice.

POUR L'INSTANT, LES PROCÉDURES CANADIENNES NE PERMETTENT PAS LA PRÉSENTATION D'UNE PÉTITION ELECTRONIQUE AU PARLEMENT. BIEN QUE JE PRÉSENTERAIS QUAND MÊME CETTE PÉTITION EN SUPPLÉMENT, SI VOUS DÉSIREZ VRAIMENT DÉMONTRER VOTRE SOUTIEN À CE SUJET, LAISSEZ-MOI UN MESSAGE ET JE VOUS ENVERRAI UNE COPIE SUR PAPIER DE LA PÉTITION.

EN FRANÇAIS
Les organismes génétiquement modifiés font, malheureusement, partie de notre vie. Par contre, la majorité d'entre nous ne savons pas à quel point ils sont ancrés dans notre vie quotidienne. Encore plus inquiétant est le fait que très peu de recherches indépendantes aient été faites sur la sécurité alimentaires des OGM. On s'attend tout de même à ce que le consommateur avale le tout sans mot dire.

Il n'y a présentement aucune législation sur l'étiquetage des aliments ayant un contenu transgénique. Cette situation est inacceptable: le consommateur a le droit de savoir le contenu de son alimentation.

Les multinationales d'OGM, tel que Monsanto, font obstacle à de telles lois, parce qu'ils savent qu'ayant le choix, la majorité des consommateurs choisiraient un produit exempt d'OGM. Et c'est avec raison que l'on ferait ce choix: tant que ces multinationales ne pourront démontrer concrètement la sécurité alimentaires des OGM, le consommateur devrait s'en méfier. De plus, des études indépendantes doivent être faites.

Présentement, les seuls aliments au Canada pouvant garantir un contenu sans élément transgénique sont ceux issus de la culture biologique. Or, pour certains, ces produits sont hors de prix. La sécurité alimentaire est un droit démocratique: tout consommateur devrait pouvoir choisir.

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The issue of open field trials of genetically engineered seeds is very serious. Over 150 food crops and undergoing field trials at over 1500 locations.

Open field trials of GMOs will contaminate global environment forever, destroy food sovereignty and our biodiversity. It is now known that contamination can't be contained. This deliberate act to contaminate our food and feed crops by just a handful of corporations must be opposed everywhere because it denies us our right to non-genetically modified foods and places our health at risk to unknown diseases.

We, the undersigned, request you to support our petition seeking the intervention of the Indian Prime Minister.

1. Dr Krishan Bir Chaudhary
Executive Chairperson, Bharat Krishak Samaj
[India's largest farmers' organization]
Email: bksnd@airtelbroadband.in

2. Steve Solomon
Scientist, farmer and founder of Soil & Health Library
Email: stsolomo@keypoint.com.au

3. Rodney Nelson
Independent farmer, USA
Email: Rodneygm@aol.com

4. Chris Gupta
Health and nutrition educator and inventor
Email: chrisgupta@alumni.uwaterloo.ca
http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/about.htm

5. Kul Bhushan Upamanyu ,
Member of Himalaya Policy Campaign Committee and Chairperson of Navrachna [a confederation of environmental groups working in the Himalayan region],
Founder of Chipko Movement in Himachal Pradesh
Email: info@navrachna.org

6. Vijay Jardhari ,
Founder of Beej Bachao Andolan ["Save the Seed Movement"] Village Nagni, Uttaranchal, India [No email]

7. Arun Shrivastava CMC
Management Consultant
Member of the Governing Council of Navrachna,
Member of Himalaya Policy Campaign Committee
Email: arun1951@yahoo.com
[Coordinator of this petition]

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