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India puts moratorium on GM crop
Brussels, February 9 - Responding to reports that India has today halted the
commercial cultivation of a genetically modified aubergine crop (Bt-Brinjal),
following several public consultations across the country and resistance from
scientists, farmers and green campaigners, Friends of the Earth Europe's food and agriculture campaigner Adrian Bebb said:
"India's environment minister has listened to the concerns of scientists,
farmers and the public and concluded that this GM crop poses real risks to human
health and the environment.
"GM crops around the world benefit big business, not local farmers or hungry
people - in South America vast GM soy plantations are wiping out farming
communities and forests to provide animal feed for factory farms in Europe.
"India's decision should serve as a reminder to those in Europe who want to weaken the EU’s laws to please the biotech industry. Opposition and concern about GM crops is truly worldwide. The real solutions to the world's food and farming problems lies in planet-friendly farming that benefits consumers, farmers and the environment."
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For more information please contact:
Adrian Bebb, food and agriculture campaign coordinator for Friends of the
Earth Europe, 0049 1609 490 1163, adrian.bebb[at]foeeurope.org
Francesca Gater, communications officer, Friends of the Earth Europe, 02 893 1010, 0485 930515, francesca.gater[at]foeeurope.org
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Notes to Editors
1. Despite fierce opposition from scientists, farmers and campaign groups, the
GM crop Bt brinjal was cleared by an Indian government panel for commercial
cultivation in October 2009. It was also cleared by The Genetic Engineering
Approval Committee (GEAC), India's bio-technology regulator. If it is finally
approved by the Indian government, it will become the first GM food crop in
India. Anti-Bt-Brinjal groups argue that its cultivation will affect the small
farmers and harm humans.
http://www.indiablooms.com/EnvironmentDetailsPage/environmentDetails090210a.php
Friends of the Earth Europe campaigns for sustainable and fair societies and for the protection of the environment,
unites more than 30 national organisations with thousands of local groups
and is part of the world's largest grassroots environmental network, Friends of the Earth International.
