GE Free BC became a society in 2007, but for five years prior to this had been organizing resistance to GE crops and foods. We have lobbied politicians and decision-makers, held numerous public events and showings of the ‘Future of Food’, supported Percy Schmeiser in his court cases against Monsanto, and worked on the Ban Terminator and BC mandatory labeling campaigns.
In October 2006 we brought together campaigners from across BC and the Yukon for the first coordinated strategy session on GE in the province. We continue to act as a coordinating and networking body for anti-GE work.
GE Free BC is governed by a Steering Committee, which currently includes 10 members from around the province. Like any society, we hold an AGM once a year.
Our Vision Statement: 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.
Link to GE Free BC’s main website
GE Free Crop Zones in BC
Salt Spring Island, 2004
Denman Island
Powell River (first in Canada) 2004
Kootenays Rossland 2009, Nelson 2008, New Denver 09, Kaslo 09 GE Free Kootenays
About April Reeves, Host of GE Free BC Blog
Are you looking for someone to speak on Genetically Modified foods? You can book April for your next lunch meeting, evening movie night or just to speak on GMO’s.. You may reach April at: aprilreeves@shaw.ca, or 604-233-0781.
Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again – taking your feeds too now, Thanks.
surface encounters
Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again – taking your feeds too now, Thanks.
+1
Jeremy Rifken used to be a poignant voice in opposition to GE crops. Do you know if he still engages the public in this endeavor?
Not sure. He’s 67 now so he may have ‘settled down’. I’ll do some digging on him. He did speak out against all bioengineering, especially the arrogance of science, and how they “mix and match” as a form of business over usefulness. I agree at that point: why try to ‘fix’ or alter anything if it isn’t broken? Change for the sake of change in nature can end up with serious consequences.