Once again, genetically modified foods and the 'GDO'ya HAYIR' (NO TO GMOs) Platform were news in the Turkish media thanks to the work of the members of the platform in Izmir, the third city of Turkey.
In Izmir, the chamber of agricultural engineers and the ecological agriculture organisation ETO together with students in Agricultural engineering of the Ege (Aegean) University were behind the two days action, which was widely covered by the local press. Also, Kamil Sindiroglu and Ahmet Altindisli both professors in
Agriculture at the mentioned University and members of the 'No to GMOs platform'
were in a direct talk show on the local TV the night before the action started. The tomato tour continues to be news even after being more than one week in Turkey!
Moreover a hot debate has begun in the media. Pro biotechnology groups have started to speak out declaring the Turkish tomato as a symbol against the Monster Tomato, arguing that the Monster tomato is imported from Europe. However, this is totally wrong since the Turkish Tomato is natural and healthy and not genetically modified. And of course in reality it is the (usually US based) biotech companies who are threatening the Turkish tomato, not the protesters, who in fact promote local agriculture as a solution to many environmental problems.
While the debate continues in the media, local groups continue to collect signatures. They will bring all of them to Ankara at the end of the tour. So far, over 30.000 signatures were collected and a spokesperson of the platform already told to the
press that the aim was 100.000 signatures. Therefore, the pressure on the groups is now very high but no doubt that they can manage it!
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