3 Signs That Anti-GMO Activism Is Working In Europe
by Alex Pietrowski
There are days that Monsanto’s efforts to dominate the food supply by patenting GMO seeds seem so malicious and abhorrent, that any possibility of regular people and family farms regaining control over agriculture and our food source appears insurmountable. Yet, there are days when efforts of activism from regular citizens is turning Monsanto into an ego-driven malevolent organization that’s easily opposed, undermined and cast out.
These days a new global activist movement is emerging where small victories in countries around the world – such as India and Peru – illustrate the power that we the people have, when united, to stop Monsanto and put an end to the raping of nature and our earth.
Europe offers a great example of triumph driven by anti-GMO activism, which could easily fuel the drive of citizens in other countries tired of Monsanto seed overtaking farm lands and of food suppliers selling unlabeled GMO’ed products.
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#1 – Hungary Burns 1000 Acres of Corn to Eradicate GMO Seed
The government will continue seed distribution as well as crop plantings in the country to ensure that no GMO seeds will slip past authorities.
Hungary was one of the first on the European Union to strongly oppose the use of transgenic seeds.
#2 – Italy Joins France and Germany in Banning GMO
Our agriculture is based on biodiversity, on quality, and those we must continue to aim for, without games that even from an economic point of view would not make us competitive.
There was very little GMO cultivation in Italy up to this point, because, frankly, the public opposes transgenic seeds. Italy’s biggest farmers group Coldiretti conducted a survey to assess the public’s opinion regarding GMO crops; the results showed that 80% of Italians are in support of the ban. This is quite uplifting, considering Italy’s culture has a strong culinary foundation and its economy relies heavily on the quality of its food exports.
The farming community and activists in Italy have been strongly opposed to GMO seeds for many years, even leading to publicly-condemned actions of vandalism such as stomping and crushing of GMO crops. Twenty-seven conservation, farming and environmental associations, run as the Task Force for an Italy Free of GMOs, have been coordinating efforts against GMO cultivation and putting up legal roadblocks for anyone trying to grow GMO crops. It seems that these activists have won one battle for the sake of the environment and human health.
#3 – Monsanto Officially Gives Up on Europe
Conclusion
GMO’ed foods are already being labeled in about 50 countries, and banned in more than 25. Europe – not just one country, but many – is a great example of what unified grassroots organizations, concerned citizens and informed farmers and politicians can do. In addition to the lack of political support of Monsanto’s patenting efforts, the EU does not allow import of GMO food or feed material through its strong GMO labeling laws. So don’t be afraid to participate – to share information – to act. Become part of an activist effort and start making a difference.
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http://www.march-against-monsanto.com/
http://www.realfarmacy.com/printable-list-of-monsanto-owned-food-producers/
Gardening resources:
Sources:
http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-monsanto-gmo-crops-europe-20130718,0,1502761.story
http://naturalsociety.com/italy-ban-monsanto-gmo-corn-mon810-maize-80-percent-public-support
http://planetark.org/wen/69217
http://earthfirstnews.wordpress.com/2010/08/12/italian-anti-gmo-activists-strike/
http://www.activistpost.com/2013/07/monsanto-drops-bid-to-advance-new-gm.html
http://ecowatch.com/2013/monsanto-stop-promoting-gmo-europe/
http://now.msn.com/hungary-burns-1000-acres-of-gmo-corn-crops
http://www.naturalnews.com/040525_hungary_gm_corn_burning_fields.html
http://blog.ohmygreen.com/blog/?category=GMO
Alex Pietrowski is an artist and writer concerned with preserving good health and the basic freedom to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. He is a staff writer for WakingTimes.com and an avid student of Yoga and life.