Meat? Maybe Not! (Video)

Links Between Longer Ragweed Season and Climate Change Confirmed

ScienceDaily (Feb. 25, 2011) — Studies by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have confirmed, in some parts of North America, including Saskatchewan, ragweed season now lasts longer. The pollen contributes to the development of Hay Fever, especially in children.  Full story here.

Electricity Use, Coal Consumption, and Public Health

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES - Feb 26'11

                                        Power pylons.

 A PinP photo

Balancing benefits and risks as global demand rises. Full story here.

Is Climate Change Making Food Less Safe?

Rachel Shulman EatDrinkBetter Feb 25 '11

New evidence suggests that climate change is already putting the safety of our food at risk, and that things are only going to get worse. Full story here.

"Mutant" strawberries.

l.p. photo

Winning Letters on Ethics and Tar Sands

Environmental Defence Feb 24 '11

We held a contest for the best letter to new Environment Minister Peter Kent on ethics and tar sands. Here are the winners and some other favourites.
You can still take action by sending a letter to Minister Kent here.

Climate Change. Wild Weather. There IS a Connection!

Edmonton Journal February 22, 2011

 A report in the scientific journal Nature has for the first time linked a specific weather event to human induced climate change. 

Read more here.

Alberta's Herds of Woodland Caribou are in Trouble Across Their Range

EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM FEBRUARY 21, 2011

Biologist says only habitat restoration will save species.  Read more here.

Planet-In-A-Nutshell. An Animated Video Series. HERE'S THE FIRST!

Many Months Later, Gulf of Mexico Bottom Shows Little Sign of Recovery, but Many Dead Critters

By Seth Borenstein, The Associated Press | The Canadian Press – Sat, 19 Feb '11 

WASHINGTON - Oil from the BP spill remains stuck on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, according to a top scientist's video and slides that she says demonstrate the oil isn't degrading as hoped and has decimated life on parts of the sea floor. Full story here.

It all began early last year when the rig, 

Deepwater Horizon, (above), exploded.

Chevron Thumbs its Nose at the Court & Ecuador Itself Over the Profound Harm it Has Inflicted on the Amazon Rain Forest & its People

DESMOGBLOG - 14 February '11 

 EDITOR'S NOTE: Once again, a despicable, soulless corporation. made possible through despicable, soulless investors, pits itself against ordinary people. WILL WE LET IT WIN? l.p.  

Read full story here.

Ozone Layer’s Future Linked Strongly to Changes in Climate, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (Feb. 17, 2011) 

 The ozone layer, the thin atmospheric band high-up in the stratosphere that protects living things on Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays faces potential new challenges.  Full story here.
 

"Home" a Breathtaking Panorama of our Troubled Earth. Watch the Trailer Here.

Watch the full video here.

‪
We are living in exceptional times. Scientists tell us that we have 10 years to change the way we live, avert the depletion of natural resources and the catastrophic evolution of the Earth's climate. The stakes are high for us and our children. Everyone should take part in the effort, and HOME has been conceived to take a message of mobilization out to every human being. For this purpose, HOME needs to be free. A patron, the PPR Group, made this possible. EuropaCorp, the distributor, also pledged not to make any profit because Home is a non-profit film. HOME has been made for you : share it! And act for the planet.

Yann Arthus-Bertrand, GoodPlanet Fundation President

Chevron Must Pay!

Alternet - Feb. 19'11

An Ecuadorian judge ordered Chevron this week to pay $8.6 billion in damages for polluting the Amazon rainforest from 1964 until 1990. Incredibly, Chevron is known to refuse to pay such damages, even when a court orders it to do so! Read story here. 

The Body That Oversees Broadcasting in Canada, the CRTC, Drops Plan to Weaken Truth in Broadcasting Regulations

February 18, 2011 — The Wire Report
 

OTTAWA—CRTC chair Konrad von Finckenstein says the Commission will not proceed with changes it had been considering, to its prohibition on false and misleading news. von Finckenstein says it's because the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations, which had been pressing for the changes, will no longer persue the issue. The move follows a groundswell of protest and petitions which gathered tens of thousands of names in opposition to the idea. Many saw the proposed changes as a way to help prepare for the arrival of an American-style TV network in this country which skeptics have dubbed "Fox News North." Read full story here.

Please aslso read: "Is Canada About to Descend Into An America-Style Abyss by Cheapening Our Broadcast Regulations?"

Permafrost Melt Soon Irreversible Without Major Fossil Fuel Cuts

Stephen Leahy - Inter Press Service

UXBRIDGE, Ontario, Canada, 17 Feb  Thawing permafrost is threatening to overwhelm attempts to keep the planet from getting too hot for human survival.  Read full story here.

Pipelines Carrying Oil From the Canadian Tar Sands Pose Serious Risks

By Keith Schneider - Nat. Resources Defence Council  - OnEarth Magazine - 
"A Survival Guide for the Planet" - Fe. 16 '11

NRDC photo.

Just after dawn on July 26, 2010, homeowners along Talmadge Creek near Marshall, Michigan, awoke to the chemical stench of raw fuel. Full story here.

Read Larry Powell's contributions to OnEarth magazine here.

TransCanada Runs Deceptive Ad Pushing Controversial Oil Pipeline

Friends of the Earth - Feb 17-'11

Canadian company misleads public, asserts pumping dirty Canadian tar sands oil into U.S. would reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

CBC Manitoba Thinks Nothing Can Be Done About Climate Change! Larry Writes Yet Another Letter-to-the-Editor

Larry Powell

I made what I thought was a reasonable request of CBC Manitoba the other day.

I asked it to start including atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (C02), in its weather casts.

After consulting with John Sauder (CBC photo - r.), their extremely competent "weather guy"(John is Manitoba's only broadcast meteorologist), a CBC spokesperson told me, "no."

Why? Because it might be "inflammatory!"

The CBC further explained that, wind chill factors and UV levels, which they report regularly, were things upon which their listeners/viewers "can actually take some immediate, personal action."

The implication in that response is that there is nothing we can actually do about climate change! That, I found, was the most chilling part of all.

Apparently, we can no longer choose to drive smaller cars, take the bus, live close to work or just visit the Mayan Riviera every other year.

By way of background, I'm someone who realizes that global warming is real, it's happening now, and it's caused by humans. (Note, I did not say I believe in it. Because it is not a matter of belief. It is a matter of fact and science!)

The flood of the century - Red River Valley - 1997. 

We all create too many greenhouse gases through the fossil fuels we burn in the planes, trains, cars, trucks, quads and snow machines we love so much. Those gases, mostly C02, are trapping heat and leading to the warming of our planetary home. This, in turn, is creating climate change, and with it, melting ice caps and glaciers, rising sea levels, droughts, floods, horrendous wildfires and an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms of all kinds - hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, tidal surges, snow, rain hail and ice.

So, if the CBC won't do what I asked, may I be permitted to do it myself?

Atmospheric levels of C02 now hover at about 388 parts per million. Anything above 350 is "not compatible with the planet on which civilization developed and to which life on earth is adapted."

So, who said that? Some radical climate crank?

Not really. It's James Hansen. Hansen works for the Goddard Space Institute at NASA. He happens to be considered Earth's foremost climatologist.

So, do you feel "inflamed?" 

Perhaps you should.

Reporting CO2 Levels on the Radio Might be "Inflammatory:" CBC

Below is the CBC's response to my request (please read - "'PLT' Publisher Asks for Help in Raising Awareness of  Global Warming") to report atmospheric C02 levels during their weathercasts.

=======

Greetings Mr. Powell,

  Through consulting with our meteorologist, we have determined that it would be inappropriate for us to consider a regular reporting of CO2 levels as a part of our regular weather reports, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is simple time economics in a weather-cast.  Moreover, while the concerns may be great about the rising levels of CO2, an inclusion of this number in regular reports might be perceived and received as inflammatory, compared say to the UV levels or wind chills about which a listener can actually take some immediate personal action.

  This subject is, however, something we are going to follow up on in terms of a story for one of our local radio programs.  We thank you for your interest and invite you to keep listening. 

Cheery bye,

John Sadoway

CBC Radio Winnipeg

"PLT" Publisher Asks for Help in Raising Awareness of Global Warming

 Below is a message I sent today to Marilyn Maki, (lower r.) a weather specialist and radio host at CBC in Winnipeg. Keep watching this space for her reply! l.p.

=====

Marilyn Maki,
Host, Radio Noon,
CBC Manitoba.
Dear Marilyn,

As a weather specialist, you will be aware that the science of climate change is now well-proven.

Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), are still on the increase. And so are the earth's mean temperatures and the incidences of severe weather events.

Considering the gravity of this situation, I would ask you to consider the following:

Would you, at least periodically, report current CO2 levels in the atmosphere, as part of your weather casts?  

As you will also be aware, those levels have, for some time now, been well above 350ppm. That's the level considerd by the world's leading climatologist, James Hansen, to be safe for human habitation.

I would submit such a service would be at least as important as, say wind-chill factors or UV levels.

Hope you agree.

I'd appreciate an answer at your earliest opportunity, so I can post it on my blog.

Sincerely,
Larry Powell
Roblin, MB
www.pathslesstravelled.com

Is Canada About to Descend Into An America-Style Abyss by Cheapening Our Broadcast Regulations?

Below is my submission to the Canadian Radio, Television & Telecommunications Commission. That powerful body seems poised to grant the wishes of a parliamentary committee by loosening the rules governing truth and accuracy in broadcasting.
(Anyone detect the heavy hand of Stephen Harper in all of this? Naaaaa!) l.p.

 ==== 

  1.    Dear CRTC - I am a journalist specializing in stories about the environment, especially global warming. Your proposed changes concern me deeply because, among other things:
    2.    I fear they will provide yet another channel for climate skeptics/opportunists and fraudsters to peddle their lies and deception over a phenomenon which is real, which is happening now and which is posing a clear and present threat to this planet, not only for us but future generations, as well.
    3.    I also fear these changes would shamefully cheapen the noble profession of Canadian journalism with its long-accepted high standard of checks and balances on the truth and accuracy of reporting in the public interest.
    4.    These changes seem to prepare the way for American-style broadcasting, where kooks and cranks have free reign to inflict their poisonous lies and misinformation on the public.
    5.    I implore you - do your part in preserving Canada's proud tradition of fairness and honesty in broadcasting - PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED WITH THESE CHANGES.
    6.    Sincerely,
    7.    Larry Powell - Box 5 Grp 11 RR 1 ROBLIN - Manitoba- CA - R0L1P0

***End of document***

48 Hours to Save Canadian Journalism?

COMMENT: Patti wrote:
"This is just one in a long list of abuses and audacities that this PM and his government have perpetrated. How long are we going to stand for it? No credible opposition to challenge the abuses and no populace knowledgeable enough to vote this criminal and his party out." 


Dear friends across Canada,

Public protections against false and misleading news coverage could be destroyed by the CRTC -- paving the way for "Fox News North" to spread false information to the Canadian public that supports their political agenda. We have just two days to raise a national outcry and urge the CRTC to protect Canadian journalism!

Chevron Gets Dinged - Heavily!

		Chevron is guilty.  Tell CEO John Watson:  Clean up Ecuador NOW! Dear friend, Yesterday marked a historic day for corporate accountability. A judge in Ecuador found Chevron guilty of massive oil contamination in the Amazon rainforest and ordered the company to pay over $8 billion to clean it up. The verdict is the culmination of an 18-year struggle by the Indigenous and rural Ecuadoreans — the real heroes of this epic fight — who first sued Chevron to force the company to clean up its oily mess back in 1993. The battle is won, but the war for corporate accountability is far from over. Chevron has vowed to appeal the decision , and it’s all too clear that the company intends to never pay for its oil pollution in the Amazon. Tell Chevron CEO John Watson that enough is enough – Chevron needs to clean up Ecuador NOW. For 18 years the Ecuadorean plaintiffs have withstood the  impacts of Chevron’s pollution in the Amazon, as well as an unprecedented PR and legal campaign aimed at discrediting  them and minimizing the extent of the damage that’s been  done to their health and livelihoods. The evidence of the company’s guilt is overwhelming. It’s time for Chevron  to take responsibility for  its mess. John Watson needs to do the right thing and pledge  to clean up the Ecuadorean Amazon by complying  with the judgment in Ecuador. Some 1,400 people have  already died as a result of Chevron refusing to take  responsibility, and 30,000 more are at risk. The people  living with Chevron’s pollution can’t wait while the company  launches another PR campaign and attempts even more  dirty tricks and shady legal maneuvers to try and evade  its responsibility. Stand up for the people of Ecuador, for human rights,  and for corporate accountability:   Tell Chevron CEO John Watson to stop stalling  and clean up Ecuador NOW. For a cleaner future, Ginger, Maria, Linda, and Mike Change Chevron
Rainforest Action Network 221 Pine Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104 USA Phone: (415) 398-4404   Fax: (415) 398-2732
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Oil Pipeline From Canada Stirring Anger in U.S. Great Plains

By David Goldstein | McClatchy Newspapers - Feb 14 - 2011

WASHINGTON — Crude oil from western Canada began flowing through a controversial pipeline in Kansas last week. Read more here.

PolluterHarmony - the #1 Matchmaking Site for Polluters - "Now in Canada"

Will Global Warming End Up in Court? A Climate Scientist Sues a Skeptic for Libel

February 8, 2011 - By JOHN COLLINS RUDOLF - New York Times.
A prominent Canadian climate scientist is suing a leading climate skeptic for libel, arguing that an article published online in January contained false and malicious claims. Read the rest here.

Andrew Weaver, climate scientist

Tim Ball , Climate Skeptic

Severe Drought Threatens Wheat Crop in China, World’s Largest Producer

Climate Progress - Feb 9, 2011

FAO also warns floods and heavy rains in Southern Africa "threaten food security."

Reuters - A Chinese farmer on dry farmland 

in Shandong Province, in January.

Kids on Junk Food Diets Have Lower IQs - Study

Alternet - Feb 12 - '11

Healthy diets build healthy kids, right? Apparently,..

Global Warming Melts Siberian Permafrost - a Greenpeace Video

Climate Change to Worsen Severe Water Shortages in US Southwest

by Brian Merchant, Treehugger 02.11.11
We're already well aware that….

Energy Independence Goes Awry: Why the Ethanol Boom May Turn US Conservation Land into Corn Fields

AlterNet / By Jill Richardson Feb '11

Given America's enthusiasm for ethanol production, one might assume ethanol is a miracle fuel, sent from heaven to lead the way to independence from oil.

Please also read: "Bursting the Ethanol Bubble" by Larry Powell

Major Betrayal of Organic Food Movement - What the Relentless March of the Biotech Industry Means to North Americans

Dr. Mercola Interviews Ronnie Cummins - Feb 14, 2011
    

If You Eat Organic Food, You Have Just Been Betrayed

A "Must-See!" Bill Mahr's Latest Video on Climate Change!

Environment Minister Peter Kent Claims Climate "Plan Is Working" and Canadians Are "Proud" of Tar Sands

Naom Chomski on Climate Change. (Video) A Liberal Hoax?

My MP Helps Nix a Bill That Would Have Protected Farmers From GMO Crops. Letter-to-the-Editor

Dear Editor,

I see my new Member of Parliament, Robert Sopuck  (Conservative Party - Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette - above.) has already made his mark on the political landscape. He voted with the rest of his Conservative Party and many Liberals last night to defeat an NDP private members' bill. The thrust of Bill C-474 was pretty simple - protect farmers by requiring “an analysis of potential harm to export markets before the sale of any new genetically engineered (GMO) seed is permitted."

In other words, new GM seeds would actually be examined to make sure other countries would want to buy them. (This, of course, is something an honest, competent government should have been doing anyway.)

Had it passed, the bill almost certainly would have prevented the GM flax fiasco of 2009. Canadian farmers paid a heavy price in that year (and since) when unwanted GM contamination damaged their export flax markets.

It might have also saved many organic farmers in this country from harm and misery when widespread plantings of GM canola contaminated their crops and ruined their market opportunities many years ago.

It would have at least provided a check-and-balance against the introduction of GM alfalfa and GM sugar beets. Both of these "Frankenfoods" have recently been approved by the USDA (in the case of sugar beets - in defiance of a court order).  

Our weak-kneed government "regulators" here in Canada even beat the misguided USDA to the punch. They approved GM alfalfa some time ago - although no sales or plantings have gone ahead yet. And, make no mistake - GM wheat, unpopular tho it may be, is also coming.

 GM alfalfa has been opposed by more than a hundred farm and consumer groups in Canada. And according to one advocacy group, more than 10,000 people signed petitions supporting Bill C-474!

Alfalfa is a marvellous, hardy cover crop which I have planted myself to suppress weeds and replenish the soil when I rotate my vegetable plots. Alas, our legislators seem not to have learned anything from the wise old saying - if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Because alfalfa is a key feed for livestock, fears are even being expressed for the future of the organic beef and dairy industries in this country! (That's because pollen from GM crops travels and contaminates those of organic growers.)

So why did most of our MPs line up with rich, monumentally ruthless corporations like Monsanto, (which manipulates food genes so it can hook producers on its infamous "Roundup" herbicide) rather than individual farmers? Monsanto no doubt had the most to gain from the death of C-474.

Before the vote, Mr. Sopick told me, the private members bill would have "harmed the Canadian agriculture industry." He added, it would have meant more "red tape." Funny, those are the precise words also used by Syngenta, another "gene-giant," to criticize the same bill.

He also described Canada's current oversight of GM products as "science-based" and "rigorous!"

Science-based?

Rigorous?

A scant few years ago, federal regulators lifted not a finger while Monsanto and its partner, Dow AgroSciences, went ahead and introduced "Smatstax"corn, yet another GE product, into this country. No health study - no market study - nothing. "Smartstax" is shot-full of chemicals, including an especially nasty one implicated in the poisonings of billions of precious, life-giving pollinators like honey bees, in many parts of the world.

The biotech industry has been lobbying hard against C-474. According to the Globe and Mail, its national association held 50 meetings with federal politicians and government officials last fall, trying to have it quashed! 

(Don't you wish you had that kind of influence over our decision-makers?)

Mr. Sopick will undoubtedly be running for office again when the general election is held. 

Will he continue to represent corporate interests in the next House? Or will he see the light and begin representing people, instead?

If you would like to question him about this issue, here is his contact information. 




Sopuck.R@parl.gc.ca
Constituency Offices
1450 Main Street,
Dauphin Marketplace Mall (Main Office)
Dauphin, Manitoba R7N 3H4
Telephone: (204) 622-4659 Fax: (204) 622-4654
PO Box 68 Whirlpool Drive West Unit A - No. 9 Public Road 354
Onanole, Manitoba R0J 1N0
Work Address:
Hill Office House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6


Larry Powell is an organic grower, journalist and blogger near Roblin, Manitoba

GMO Bill Struck Down in Ottawa

By Colleen Kimmett February 9, 2011 

A private members' bill that would have added a layer of scrutiny….

Mexico, Cradle of Corn, Finds its Noble Grain Under Assault

By Tim Johnson | McClatchy Newspapers
GUELATAO, Mexico — Yank the husks off...

Greens Urge Manitoba to Become "GE-Free"

    

The USDA Approves Another Controversial GE Crop

Enough is Enough: Tell President Obama to Stand Up to Monsanto

Dear Larry,

Is This the Monsanto Administration or the Obama Administration? Demand President Obama Stop Approving Monsanto's Crops!

Is the Obama Administration becoming the Monsanto Administration? A few days ago, the USDA approved the planting of genetically engineered (GE) sugar beets, just a week after dealing a huge blow to the organic industry by approving GE alfalfa. Ask President Obama to stand up to Monsanto and corporate agribusiness.

Add these GE crop approvals with this administration's moves towards approving GE salmon, approving chicken from China, and the slowness with which they're implementing fair farm rules, and it starts to equal an administration being run by corporate agribusiness. Enough is enough: Tell President Obama to stop pushing Monsanto's agenda.

Soon, many sweet treats in America could be produced with sugar from Monsanto’s genetically engineered (GE) sugar beets. Adding insult to injury for farmers and people who don't want GE foods, last week, the USDA announced it would allow the ‘partial deregulation’ of the growing of GE sugar beets. This was in defiance of a court order mandating an environmental impact statement before proceeding with this GE crop approval.

This series of bad decisions effectively gives a green light to Monsanto to hold even more sway over the food system. While Americans enjoy their dessert, Monsanto will reap ever-larger profits and enjoy ever-greater power over what you and I eat.

The Obama Administration has given corporate agribusiness too much influence on these decisions, and now farmers, the environment and consumers will all suffer with biotechnology’s increasing stranglehold over the food system.

President Obama has to stand up to corporate agribusiness. Take action now to demand President Obama stand up to Monsanto.
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5810

Thanks for taking action,
Sarah Alexander
Outreach Director
Food & Water Watch
goodfood(at)fwwatch(dot)org
p.s. Fighting the corporate control of our food is an ongoing battle.  On Valentine's day we need you to make a call asking President Obama to implement the fair farm rules.  We'll send you the details on Monday!

Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer organization that works to ensure clean water and safe food. We challenge the corporate control and abuse of our food and water resources by empowering people to take action and by transforming the public consciousness about what we eat and drink.

Talk to Us | Support Us | Subscribe

Catastrophic Weather Events Are Becoming the New Normal -- Are You Ready for Life on Our Planet Circa 2011?

AlterNet / By Bill McKibben - Feb '11

 

For two decades now we've been ignoring the impassioned pleas of scientists that our burning of fossil fuels was a bad idea. And now we're paying a heavy price.

Climate Benefits of Natural Gas Overstated?

Natural gas production has skyrocketed in the U.S. and elsewhere lately. And one big supposed benefit of this energy source is that it creates a lot fewer greenhouse gas emissions than coal. However, new research from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that these climate change claims may have been greatly overstated - as ProPublic reports reports here.

Save Uncontacted Tribes From Loggers - Watch the Video - Sign the Petition!

USDA Hits Organics Again, Approves Monsanto’s GMO Sugar Beets

Jeremy Bloom Feb 7 - 2011 - Planetsave  

EDITOR'S NOTE: Once again, Monsanto's puppet, Ag Secretary Vilsack, pisses on the courts and gives the corporation what it wants. 

Barack! What were you thinking? l.p.

Shell Cancels Plans to Drill in Arctic!

Planetsave - Feb.6 '11

Shell announced that they’ve...

An Appeal to Farmers! From Yukon Farmer, Tom Rudge

Please send around and read his great letter to Members of Parliament.

 Date: February 4, 2011 1:46:08 PM GMT-05:00

Subject: My future and Bill C-474: Your future too?

There is a vote in Parliament on genetic engineering this Wednesday February 9 that could help support the future of my farm.

Below is the letter I sent to Michael Ignatieff , Wayne Easter and my Member of Parliament, Larry Bagnell.  I've asked them to support Bill C-474 this Wednesday and I hope my MP also speaks up in the debate on February 8. I urge all farmers who have a concern about genetically engineered crops or who already have negative experiences with GE crops  to send a letter to your MP as well. Now is the time  to tell our politicians how genetic engineering has already cost us or could harm our businesses and our families. Bill C-474 would support Canada's farmers by requiring that “an analysis of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of any new genetically engineered seed is permitted." We will not grow GE alfalfa here in the Yukon but it will contaminate my farm and I have no choice.

(You can look up your MP at www.parl.gc.ca) I also sent my letter to Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff (Ignatieff.M@parl.gc.ca) and Liberal Agriculture Critic Wayne Easter (EasteW@parl.gc.ca) because the Liberal Party needs to take a stand. 

Thanks! Sincerely, Tom Rudge, Yukon

-------------------------------------------------------

Member of Parliament

As a farmer in the Yukon who raises certified organic poultry, market garden vegetables and mixed hay, I ask you to be present and vote in favor of Bill C-474 on February 9, 2011. 

Bill C-474 would support Canada's farmers by requiring that “an analysis of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of any new genetically engineered seed is permitted.”

Alfalfa is an essential source of nutrients and

organic matter for any organic rotation including feed or soil building green manure. It is grown in many places and is a major export regionally, nationally and internationally as pellets, cubes, fodder and seed.

As is quite evident with canola, no containment is possible and growing it organically is impossible.

It would be worse for alfalfa. With the flax crisis export markets were severely affected. There has also never been any epidemiological study done on genetically engineered alfalfa either.

 

Here, in the Yukon, we have possibly the last buffered region in Canada to prevent the contamination of pure seed and we also have feral alfalfa growing in several communities that wildlife relies on for nutrients into the long harsh winters. Organic farmers and chemical farmers alike grow alfalfa here for a burgeoning local livestock market and for green manure. With the protection offered in this bill our farms could be saved from any contamination. We don’t export alfalfa, however, alfalfa feed and seed is shipped up the highway to the Yukon to supplement our own small production and if genetically modified alfalfa seed is ever approved in Canada, the Yukon will be contaminated even if it is not cultivated here. Organic growers will lose their ability to grow one of the best crops available to them and possibly lose their livelihood in the process. There is zero containment possible, canola proved this. My choice as a farmer has been unilaterally taken from me, I will have contamination, my livelihood is taken away and no one is held liable. That is a devastating scenario.

I cannot stand against any company like Monsanto and their billion dollar budgets for marketing, lobbying and legal enforcement. There are thousands of small farming families across Canada who cannot possibly stand up against the multinationals. This is why we rely on the due diligence of our elected representatives in the house of parliament. My MP, Hon. Larry Bagnell, understands this issue for us here in the Yukon and will vote in favor of this bill to protect his constituency. He has my thanks, my support and my respect for representing us in the Yukon and protecting the future of my two children.

The growth of the organic sector and for sustainable locally grown feed and food is reaching a tipping point where it will become mainstream and the pride of every jurisdiction in Canada. In European countries, there is a satisfaction in the individual regions producing their specialty food; a cultural distinction based upon food produced. With any genetically engineered seed this is not possible and the farmers loose their right to save any seed.

This isn’t about the just the health safety of a feed, this is about the culture of food production, the future of sustainable farming, and the export capacity our farmers have been recognized for world wide.

This is not about feeding the world; this is about marketing at its worst. To offend peoples’ intelligence by saying that genetically engineered seed will save us all is a fallacy. For the last twenty years of production there has been zero health benefits to this genetically engineered seed industry, there has been only the promotion of ever increasing amounts of carcinogenic chemicals to sustain quarterly earnings of multinational chemical companies. No drought tolerant crop has been produced, no frost hardy seed has been developed, and it is quite simply the sale of chemicals disguised in marketing terms with an incredibly forceful lobby power.

I would ask you to vote for Bill C-474 to ensure there is an assessment done to protect the producers and value chain participants, the environment, the future of the strongest farming sector in the world, the organic sector, and our children’s future. This bill does not say no to genetic engineering, it works for the people of Canada to make sure the choices we make are based upon sound research into the impacts of questionable technology and marketing. Utilize the precautionary principle and act for the people of Canada who you represent.

Thank you for your time reading this and for being present to vote in favor of Bill C-474.

Please feel free to contact me.

Tom Rudge

 tom@yukonfood.com

Aurora Mountain Farm

PO Box 20228

Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 7A2