Resolution to be GMO Free in Rural Lumby (Area 'D' of RDNO)

WHEREAS GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS:

  1. have now been unmistakably linked with cancer, autism, autoimmune disorders, sterility, birth defects and allergies

  2. contaminate both wild and cultivated plants of their same families

  3. are patented, threatening with legal pursuit any farmers whose crops are contaminated

  4. give ultimate control of our agriculture and food supply to corporations

  5. increase the use and toxicity of pesticides

  6. have resulted in 'super weeds'

and WHEREAS:

  1. the United Nations and the Union of Concerned Scientists are calling for a fundamental shift in agricultural practices, away from GM crops and toxic chemicals

  2. the European Journal of Agronomy warns that GM crops are threatening to unhinge our whole agricultural system

  3. 828 scientists worldwide, including geneticists, medical doctors and agricultural experts, demand an immediate moratorium on GM crops

  4. Over 60 communities within B.C., including Cherryville, have declared a similar resolution, with a growing number of communities in the process

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Area 'D' of RDNO:

  • oppose the cultivation of Genetically Modified organisms

  • not purchase genetically modified organisms for its own use

  • revisit this resolution as new information affecting it becomes available

  • forward copies of this resolution to all concerned, including:

    • the Federation of Canadian Municipalities,

    • the Union of B.C. Municipalities,

    • Interior Health,

    • B.C. Ministry of Health,

    • B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands,

    • B.C. Provincial Health Officer,

    • the Prime Minister of Canada,

    • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency,

    • Health Canada,

    • CropLife Canada,

    • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,

    • local MLA and MP offices and any interested and related groups.