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  • From: "Lawrence F. London, Jr." <lflj@intrex.net>
  • To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [permaculture] [Fwd: [SANET-MG] IFOAM Condemns Violent Actions Against Brazilian Farmers]
  • Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:03:26 -0400



-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [SANET-MG] IFOAM Condemns Violent Actions Against Brazilian
Farmers
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:59:57 +0200
From: Neil Sorensen <n.sorensen@IFOAM.ORG>
Reply-To: n.sorensen@ifoam.org
To: SANET-MG@LISTS.IFAS.UFL.EDU


IFOAM - Press Release
Bonn, Germany, October 23rd, 2007
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*IFOAM Condemns Violent Actions Against Brazilian Farmers*

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonn, Germany, October 23rd, 2007 — The International Federation of
Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) condemns all violent actions in
solving problems related to GMO conflicts. The incidents reported in the
press release from Via Campesina about Syngenta’s armed militia that
killed a peasant farmer and Via Campesina member in Brazil protesting
GMO field trials are shocking.

A group of 150 farmers related to Via Campesina
<http://viacampesina.org/main_en/index.php> occupied Sygenta’s field
trials October 21st with the aim of turning it into a gmo-free center
for Agroecology. Syngenta responded with arms, resulting in the death of
one farmer, the father of three children, and injuries to six other
rural workers.

We extend our heartfelt support to the injured farmers, to the family of
farmer Valmir Motta, who's life was lost so tragically, and to the
Brazilian farmer association MST. The goal of the farmer action was to
defend an agricultural system that offers life choices and possibilities
for small farmers and the environment, the same goals that are pursued
by the organic movement with different means. Genetic engineering
represents a threat to the entire biosphere, and moreover, poses
economic and environmental risks for organic producers. By releasing
organisms with genetic constructs that have never before existed in
nature and cannot be recalled, genetic engineering in agriculture causes
negative and irreversible environmental impacts. Release of GMOs implies
denial of free choice, both for farmers and consumers, and a violates
farmers' fundamental rights, thus endangering their economic
independence. These are all unacceptable threats to individuals,
humanity and our earth.

IFOAM’s Executive Director Angela B. Caudle notes "This tragic incident
shows that GMOs represent a culture of violence. Organic and
agroecological approaches try to bring peace to this world. IFOAM offers
its condolences to the family of Valmir Motta, the fallen farmer.”

##
IFOAM is the international umbrella organization of organic agriculture
movements worldwide.

IFOAM’s mission is leading, uniting and assisting the organic movement
in its full diversity.

Our goal is the worldwide adoption of ecologically, socially and
economically sound systems that are based on the Principles of Organic
Agriculture.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


IFOAM Press Release, Responsible: Angela B. Caudle, Contact: Neil Sorensen

*Head Office Contact*
Charles-de-Gaulle-Str. 5
53113 Bonn, Germany
Tel: +49-228-92650-10
Fax: +49-228-92650-99
Email: headoffice@ifoam.org <mailto:headoffice@ifoam.org>
http://www.ifoam.org


© 2007 IFOAM - All rights reserved.






  • [permaculture] [Fwd: [SANET-MG] IFOAM Condemns Violent Actions Against Brazilian Farmers], Lawrence F. London, Jr., 10/23/2007

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