GE Free Kootenays has been born out of the province-wide efforts of GE Free BC. which started 6 years ago. 2006 saw a coming together of campaigners from across BC and the Yukon for the first coordinated strategy session on Genetically Engineered food in the Province. Society Status was received in 2007.
The groups and individuals comprised of social justice and food activists had collaborative goals - organizing resistance to GE crops and food. To that end, the Society has been active in lobbying politicians and decision-makers, has held numerous public events including showing the ‘Future of Food’ documentary, and has supported Percy Schmeiser, a farmer from Saskatchewan, in his court cases against Monsanto.
Efforts have also included working on a Ban on Terminator Seed technology and BC mandatory food labeling campaigns.
GE Free BC envisions a food-sovereign Canada
-where no Genetically Engineered life forms are created, patented, approved, bought, sold or traded.
-where Canada is a leader in safe and sustainable agriculture and is known as a GE-Free Nation.
-where Canada actively secures international agreements that preserve regional bio-diversity and promote food sovereignty.
-where community based farmers have the right and ability to farm and save seed from year to year.
This vision is aimed to protect the health and sustainability of communities, animals and ecosystems.
To support the designation of a GE Free Zone in the Kootenays, a sub group was established in the Fall of 2007. Again, a number of area politicians of all levels of government along with farmers, and social justice and food activists have come together in a preventative campaign, to organize and assert their concern for the genetic manipulation of our food supply and the promotion of locally grown food products.
What can all of us do to support and secure our food supply and local economy?
-buy locally grown food products ... support our farmers.
-buy non GE foods
-stay informed ... sign up for email updates from GE Free Kootenays or stay posted to the Kootenay Food Strategy Society web site at kootenayfood.ca
- join GE Free BC ... sign up on their website
- attend a public meeting of GE Free Kootenays on Aug. 20 (venue to be announced)
-watch for information on the expanded Grain CSA, in Creston, this winter and purchase a share in this unique local opportunity
- and consider supporting the GE Free Kootenays campaign with a donation to our efforts.
