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Genetically Modified Energy
Seeds of Destruction in the Polish Countryside
by Julian Rose, International Coalition to Protect the Polish
Countryside
The Bio-Fuel Act, in the process of being adopted by the Polish
Parliament, is a potentially poisoned gift to the Polish countryside.
Under the guise of promoting a clean, environmentally friendly fuel,
the act will, in reality, encourage the widespread use of agrichemicals
and open the door for the production of genetically modified crops.
If this act is passed it will further expose Poland to the pressures
of US based agribusiness corporations (backed by the US Government) to
find a home for highly controversial GM seeds, such as oilseed rape,
currently blocked or still under trial in other countries.
Instead of benefiting the farmers who grow them, the danger is that
GM crops will contaminate native plants through cross-breeding and
produce new strains of 'super weeds' that will prove almost impossible
to eradicate, except with highly toxic agrichemicals. This is the main
conclusion of top UK scientists currently assessing UK field trials of
GM rape.
There is increasing evidence that the use of genetically modified
plants in agriculture (such as soya, maize, rape) could have a
catastrophic effect on the preservation of the natural biodiversity of
the countryside. The UK Government's own wildlife advisory body,
English Nature, is warning of the dangers inherent in the
cross-contamination of native and genetically modified plant breeds.
Their concern is echoed by the European Environment Agency and
scientific bodies throughout Europe. In June, the University of Lille,
France warned that GM material can be spread over long distances by
farm vehicles or shoes. This evidence contradicts the view that GM
contamination can be avoided by leaving a small distance between GM and
conventional crops.
The Polish Government does not appear to have done any research into
the ecological hazards associated with these crops. The use of genetic
modification or agrichemicals to grow bio-fuel plants is a clear
contradiction. Only the ecological production of such crops can benefit
the farmer, the environment and the consumer.
Poland's greatest asset is its large area of unpolluted agricultural
soils and rich natural environment. Through actively encouraging the
development of renewable 'green' energy, such as solar, wind,
geothermal and biomass, and by supporting traditional and ecological
methods of food production, Poland could set a much needed example of
long term, responsible, land management. Rather than repeating the
mistakes of other countries, this could make it a leader in the growing
demand for environmentally friendly sources of food and energy while
retaining maximum employment on the land.
ICPPC - International Coalition to
Protect the Polish Countryside is a leading voice in raising
public awareness of the importance of the small family farm in creating
an ecologically sensitive, long term solution which avoids the
destructive consequences of present CAP policies. We are equally
opposed to the industrial agricultural policies of multinational seed
and chemical corporations and the international activities of the World
Trade Organisation. Our 'Charter 21 - Countryside Manifesto for 21st
Century Poland' has the support of more than 470 Polish and
international organisations representing over 30 million individuals.
In April 2002, ICPPC was awarded the Goldman Prize - Ecological Nobel.
In June 2002, ICPPC's headquarters in Stryszow, Poland, were visited by
H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.
Contact:
Jadwiga Lopata
34 - 146 Stryszow 156
Tel./fax: +48 33 8797 114, Poland
biuro@icppc.pl
www.icppc.pl
Sir Julian Rose
Hardwick Estate, Whitchurch-on-Thames
Reading RG8 7RB, U.K.
Tel.+44 118 984 2955, fax: +44 118 984 2968, U.K.
e-mail: hardwickestate@btinternet.com
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