G.E. Free Kootenays Presents Regional Strategy to Kootenay Residents
CASTLEGAR B.C., August 18, 2008 – The move towards creating a Kootenay region free of genetically-engineered (G.E.) plants and trees is now underway in communities throughout the region. Following on the heels of the successful G.E. Free Kootenays launch featuring Percy Schmeiser, the campaign is now set to present their next steps at a public meeting in Nelson on August 20.
On July 10, close to 250 were in attendance at the Brilliant Cultural Centre to hear Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser share some shocking stories of intimidation and guerrilla tactics being used by one multinational agricultural corporation in particular – Monsanto. Along with his wife Louise, the Schmeisers were awarded the 2007 Right Livelihood award for their “courage in defending biodiversity and farmers’ rights”.
In attendance were West Kootenay residents from Creston, Grand Forks, Rossland, Trail, Castlegar, Nelson, Slocan Valley and Kaslo. There were even some American visitors eager to take advantage of such a great opportunity to hear such an inspiring and passionate speaker.
“I found it to be fantastically informative, terrifying and inspiring...quite an extraordinary combination,” said one attendee who came from Vallican to hear Schmeiser speak about the dangers of a G.E. food system.
Organized by a sub-group of the Kootenay Food Strategy Society, the G.E. Free Kootenays campaign used the event to encourage area residents to become involved and supportive of the creation of a region that remains free of genetically-engineered plants and trees.
The campaign is now extending an invite to Kootenay residents to become involved in the campaign itself. “Our next step is to present our strategy to the public and encourage community-specific groups to get involved in bringing this issue to their municipal and regional councils and boards,” says spokesperson Kim Charlesworth.
The intent of the evening will be to compile a broad list of contacts throughout the region who will then be able to bring resolutions in front of muncipalities and regional districts. “If passed by municipal and regional authorities, the resolutions will act as the foundation for a region free of genetically engineered plants and trees,” says Charlesworth.
A series of film segments will help launch the evening event and will be followed by a presentation of the campaign’s strategy and draft resolutions.
G.E. Free Kootenays is encouraging residents to stay posted to the Kootenay Food Strategy Society web site for more information at www.kootenayfood.ca.
When: 7:00pm, August 20, 2008
Where: Nelson Library Basement, Corner of Stanley and Victoria (Victoria St. entrance)
Contact: www.kootenayfood.ca (see “Groups”)
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