EVENTS
To list an event here, please email us at events@gmfreeireland.org.
18 - 19 June 2009:
7th Conference of the Network of GMO-Free Regional Governments
Battiferi Palace, Urbino, Italy
This seventh conference of the European GMO-free Regions Network (http://www.gmofree-euregions.net) will be hosted by the Marche Region of Italy.
The agenda includes:
•
GM-free areas: giving answers to a societal needs;
•
Scientific and socio-economic concerns
•
GM-free labelling: a strategy to safeguard EU GMO-free products
•
Securing an European GM-free feed market: how and why
•
Political strategies and agreements
Information and registration:
http://www.gmofree-euregions.net:8080/servlet/ae5Ogm?&cms=admin&id_cms_doc=85
3 - 5 June 2009:
Co-Extra International Conference: GM and Non-GM Supply Chains
Paris, France
GM and non-GM supply chains: their CO-EXistence and TRAceability
A two-day scientific conference and a one-day stakeholder workshop
Co-Extra* will present the results of four years of scientific research and discuss how these integrate with other EU and international studies to provide information for the management of GMOs and their products from farm to fork.
The Conference will consider the following topics:
•
Managing gene flow including agricultural and biological containment techniques
•
Sampling strategies, detection, identification and quantification of GM ingredients in crops, foods and feed supply chains (including detection of unapproved GMOs)
•
Supply chains modelling, practical and economic (costs/benefits) aspects of coexistence and traceability in the food and feed supply chains
•
Liability and redress issues associated with managing crop production and supply chains
•
Coexistence and traceability practices around the world
•
Technologies for effective supply chain management, including data integration and decision support systems (DSS)
•
Stakeholder views
Invited presentations on the results of the related EU research projects - SIGMEA* and Transcontainer* - and also from representatives of non-EU countries will provide a broader picture of current knowledge both within and outside in Europe.
Based on the outcomes from these projects, on international experience and on the contributions of Co-Extra, discussions will take place on how GM and non-GM production and supply chains can be managed to suit European and international requirements.
The conference will be of particular interest to scientists, policy makers, operators in food and feed chains, regulators, the media and consumer organisations.
The stakeholder workshop will take place on Day 3 (Friday, 5 June 2009) to enable discussion on coexistence and traceability issues taking account of demands, needs and practical experiences of stakeholders. This workshop will be open to the general public.
Information and registration: http://www.coextra.eu/conference/
6 April 2009: GM Foods: Who controls what we eat?
19:30, St. Columban's, Dalgan Park, Navan, Co Meath
Talk by Fr. Seán McDonagh
Columban missionary priest Fr. MacDonagh is the author of
"Patenting Life? Stop! Is corporate greed forcing us to eat genetically modified food?" www.dominicanpublications.com.
For enquiries call 046 9021525 http://www.columban.com
20 March 2009: GM-free food certification and labelling workshop
11:00 - 13:00, €50, ENFO Centre, 11 St. Andrews St, Dublin.
Non-GMO / GMO-free labelling claims for the Irish agri-food sector
including live cattle, meat, poultry and dairy produce:
Implications of EU markets and regulatory developments.
50 EU Regions have adopted Quality Agriculture strategies to add value to their livestock and food produce by avoiding the use of GM animal feed and GM food. Irish agri-food operators need a GM-free certification and labelling scheme to compete in this market. This expert workshop provides stakeholders with an unique opportunity to explore the benefits of a GM-free supply chain.
About the speakers:
•
Ms. Blanche Magariños-Rey is a French lawyer widely regarded as a leading European expert on GM-free food labelling. A graduate of Universités de Paris I & II - La Sorbonne & Assas, she is registered with the Bar of Brest, Brittany, one of the EU's GMO-free Regions. Download her presentation from this workshop:
1.1MB PowerPoint file
•
Michael O'Callaghan is the Co-ordinator of the GM-free Ireland Network, an association of 130 member organisations collaborating to keep the Island of Ireland off limits to GM crops. We are now exploring the feasibility of a GM-free certification and labelling scheme for farmers and food producers interested in phasing out the use of GM ingredients and GM animal feed. Download his related presentation at the Second International Non-GMO Summit Conference (Brussels, October 2008):
1.9MB pdf file
Topics covered:
•
Overview of GM contamination of the supply chain in Ireland and the EU
•
Implications for Irish farm and food sectors
•
The growing market for GM-free meat, poultry and dairy produce
•
Positive and negative labelling (GM vs. Non-GMO or GMO-free)
•
Related EU rules and regulations
•
Exemptions
•
Animal feed additives
•
Contamination thresholds
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Sourcing certified Non-GM food and animal feed
•
Need for Irish and EU GM-free certification and labelling schemes
•
Examples from EU member states
Who should attend:
Stakeholders interested in securing their share of the growing Irish and European markets for GM-free food – including meat, poultry and dairy produce from livestock fed on certified Non-GMO animal feed:
•
Animal feed importers, compounders and distributors
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Farmers (conventional and organic)
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Livestock, meat, poultry and dairy exporters
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Food producers, manufacturers and processors
•
Soy supply chain - producers, co-ops, processors, traders, brokers
•
Top managers of agricultural producers (dairy, livestock, poultry, aquaculture)
•
Health Food distributors and retailers
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Food retailers - senior Executives in consumer, marketing, regulatory & scientific affairs
•
National policy makers (Depts of Agriculture and Food, Trade and Enterprise, Bord Bia, Taste Council)
•
Regulators responsible for food safety, authenticity and labelling issues
•
Industry and trade policy makers
•
Practitioners in social marketing interested in the social and environmental issues related to food and agriculture
Registration:
Participation fee €50.
Please register before 12 March.
Tel (0404) 43 885
email@gmfreeireland.org
12 November 2008: Feeding the World Conference:
Are GM Crops fit for Purpose? If not, then what?
Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London
This conference will examine, searchingly and honestly, the claims and counter claims of one of the most critical issues of our time.
Defra Ministers recently declared support for the use of GM crops and have given opponents a year to come up with proof that they are harmful.
Yet, a major scientific study, the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD), has questioned the relevance of GM to food security and has called for a shift to agro-ecological food production.
But will that be enough? Is it possible to feed a growing population on a planet of finite and diminishing resources? This question, together with the claims and counter claims about the potential and limitations of GM cropping, as well as the status of agro-ecological alternatives will be examined by leading researchers and practitioners.
With the support and participation of charitable foundations, academics, researchers, NGOs, farmers and policy makers from the UK and abroad this conference brings a wide and challenging perspective to questions and issues too often mired in cliche and propaganda.
For details see http://www.feedingtheworldconference.org
22 - 29 October 2008: What would GM crops mean for British farmers?
Tour by Percy Schmeiser to
various venues in the UK
Hear Canadian Farmer Percy
Schmeiser talk about the effect that
growing GM crops commercially is
having in his home country
Listen to Percy's astonishing
experiences about the knock-on
effect of GM contamination, which
have gained him worldwide
recognition
Debate what GM crops could
mean for British farmers and the
right to choose food free of GM
contamination
Percy Schmeiser is a Canadian farmer and recipient of the internationally recognised 'Right to Livelihood Award' 2007.
Tour details: www.gmfreecymru.org
For more information on Percy Schmeiser see www.percyschmeiser.com
Tour organised and supported by GM Free Cymru, GM Freeze,
Friends of the Earth, Gaia Foundation, Family Farms Association and
Small Farms Association
20 September 2008:
Erin Brockovitch fund-raiser for the GM-free Ireland campaign:
1pm, O'Reilly Hall
University College Dublin (Belfield campus)
Tickets: €27.65 available from any Ticketmaster outlet
via credit card from www.ticketmaster.ie - tel 0818 719300
via cash or cheque at the door
All proceeds go to support the GM-free Ireland campaign
Erin Brockovitch inspires us all to to take personal responsibility for environmental and health issues like GM food and animal feed which have been introduced into our food supply despite the total absence of any long-term health studies to prove they are safe. Watch her appearance on this Friday's Late Late show - and please support the GM-free Ireland campaign by coming to meet her at UCD on Saturday.
Background:
Erin Brockovitch's visit to Ireland is being organised by Glenisk as part of the National Organic Week (15-21 September 2008). Subject of the 2000 oscar-winning film of the same name (in which her part was played by Julia Roberts), Erin will discuss her views on the power of one individual to create lasting change, the importance of truth-telling and transparency in high places, the feminine approach to tackling problems and the future of organic food and the environment.
Erin will also talk about what she calls 'stick-to-it-ive-ness' the attribute which helped drive her famous victory for the residents of Hinkley, California, who had been exposed to toxic Chromium 6 for three decades as a result of a leak into the groundwater from the nearby Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Compressor Station. In 1996, following the biggest lawsuit of its kind, the utility company paid the largest toxic tort injury settlement in U.S. history: $333 million in damages to more than 600 Hinkley residents. Note that Chromium 6 was recently found in the toxic waste on Halbowline island in Cork harbour.
24 August 2008:
GM-free Ireland press conference:
6pm, O'Rahilly Building, Room 123
University College Cork
Speakers include Kathy Sinnott MEP (EU Parliament IND/DEM Group), Michael O'Callaghan (GM-free Ireland), and John Brennan (Western Organic Network).
The Irish Government is facing mounting international criticism for giving state financial support for the ABIC 2008 conference, which will be opened on Sunday 24 August at University College Cork by Billy Kelleher TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference (ABIC 2008) will promote the release of genetically modified algae, crops, trees, crustaceans, fish, poultry, livestock, animal feed and food, including GM pharma crops and pharma livestock that contaminate the food chain with agrofuels, drugs and industrial chemicals. The conference will be chaired by Prof. Jimmy Burke, head of Teagasc Crops Research Centre. Greenpeace described the event as "one of the most dreadful conferences ever organised on this issue in Europe".
The controversial industry talkfest, which runs from 24-27 August, is organised by a Canadian foundation with funding from the Canadian Government, industry lobby groups, corporate agri-biotech giants Monsanto, Dow AgroSciences, and BP Bio fuels, and the Gowlings law firm (which aided Monsanto's GMO patent infringement lawsuit against the Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser, who lost ownership of his seeds and crops after being contaminated by Monsanto's GM seeds).
Irish tax-payers are funding the conference through Teagasc (the Agriculture and Food Authority), Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the Marine Institute (Foras na Mara), the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, and Sustainable Energy Ireland.
Michael O'Callaghan of GM-free Ireland said "The Government is abusing our money to sabotage its own agreed policy to keep the whole island of Ireland off-limits to GM crops." Kathy Sinnott MEP said "As the Lisbon Treaty referendum made clear, the Irish Government is out of touch with reality. The EU Parliament supports the right of member states to ban GM crops as there is no market for GM food in Europe. It is clear that European consumers do not want GM food. Instead of funding GM industry propaganda like the ABIC conference, our Government should keep its promise to maintain Ireland as a GM-free crop zone and enable farmers to source affordable GM-free animal feed, thus providing a competitive advantage to Irish farmers and food producers for generations to come.
Speakers at the GM-free Ireland event will request the Government to fund an independent conference on GM-free food and farming, to implement legislation to prevent the release of GM crops on this island, and to protect Ireland's reputation as "Ireland – the food island" by promoting the use of certified non-GMO animal feed in the production of meat, poultry and dairy produce.
24 August press release.
12 - 16 May 2008:
Planet Diversity: World Congress on Future of Food & Agriculture
Bonn, Germany
Programme and registration: http://www.planet-diversity.org.
For five days, during the negotiations of the UN-Convention on Biodiversity, we will discuss how farmers, consumers, food producers and their communities can cooperate to enrich and defend this diversity. A global movement from different directions is coming together for the common cause of defending diversity against destructive and threatening tendencies in agriculture, rural development and food production. "Planet Diversity" will bring together representatives from local and regional grassroots movements and institutions working on food and agricultural tradition, innovation and reconciliation based upon cultural and biological diversity.
Here are some of the key issues we want to discuss during the Conference:
Food sovereignty
• People's access to healthy food, water and land
• Consumer rights and fair relations with producers
• Food and agricultural tradition and quality
• GMO-free food production and regions
• Women, Cultural and Biodiversity
• Free exchange of seeds and participatory breeding
• Free sharing of knowledge and diversity
• Agro-fuels versus food security
• No patents on life
• Agro-ecological and organic innovation
• Gardens of hope
• Indigenous rights and knowledge
• Cultural and spiritual diversity
• Terminator seeds, GM trees, synthetic biology and other new technological threats to diversity
Interpretation will be available (though not for all workshops) in English, French, Spanish and German.
Planet Diversity Secretariat
Foundation on Future Farming
Zukunftsstiftung Landwirtschaft
Marienstr.19-20
D-10117 Berlin, Germany
phone: +49 30 27590309
fax: +49 30 27590312
info@planet-diversity.org
Local organising committee: Abl Small Farmers Association, EED Church Development Service, Federation of German Scientists, Friends of the Earth, Foundation on Future Farming, Forum Umwelt und Entwicklung, GENET (European NGO network on genetic engineering), Gene-ethical Network, Greenpeace, Heinrich Böll Foundation, IFOAM, Interessengemeinshaft für gentechnikfreie Saatgutarbeit.
2 - 4 April 2008:
International Conference on Implications of GM-Crop Cultivation
at
Large Spatial Scales
University of Bremen, Germany
Registration: www.GMLS.eu.
Aims
Ecological, agricultural and economic implications of
genetically modified (GM) plants on large spatial scales
are currently discussed in science, administration, and in
the context of agricultural practice. It is still controversial
how effects with great spatial extent can be assessed in
risk analysis, in the approval procedure, in the planning
of co-existence measures, and in post market monitoring.
The conference aims at compiling methods and
strategies, which address the issues related to large scale
cultivation of GM plants. Topics include empirical work
related to risk assessment, theoretical concepts, as well
as methodological aspects such as modelling and data
analysis facing large spatial and temporal dimensions.
Organising Committee
Hauke Reuter, Richard Verhoeven
(University of Bremen).
Broder Breckling (German Ecological Society, Specialist
Group on Genetic Engineering and Ecology).
Wolfgang Büchs (German Ecological Society, Specialist
Group on Agroecology).
Winfried Schröder, Gunther Schmidt
(University of Vechta).
Wilhelm Windhorst (University of Kiel).
Angela Franz-Balsen
(German Society for Human Ecology),
Wiebke Züghart (Federal Agency for Nature Conservation).
Keynote speakers:
The following invited speakers have confirmed their
contributions:
Dr. Nathalie Colbach
INRA-ENESAD-UniversitÈ de Bourgogne,
Dijon, France.
Effect of cropping systems on gene flow at the landscape
level. A modelling approach.
Prof. Masaharu Kawata
Yokkaichi University. Japan.
Dispersal and Persistence of genetically modified Oilseed
Rape around Japanese Harbours.
Dr. Florian Keil
Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE),
Frankfurt, Germany.
Social-Ecological approaches to address and manage
systemic Risks.
Prof. Stephane McLachlan
Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
University of Manitoba Canada.
Large scale impact and dynamics associated with GM-
crop cultivation in Canada.
Prof. Geoff Squirre, C Hawes, et al
Scottish Crop Research Institute (SRCI),
Invergowrie, Dundee, Scottland.
Cumulative impacts of GM herbicide tolerant cropping on
arable plant assemblages assessed through species-based
and functional taxonomies.
Prof. Terje Traavik
Norwegian Institute for Gene Ecology.
GMOs and their unmodified counterparts: Substantially
equivalent or different?
Topics
Different methodologies have been suggested in the last
years to analyse potential large-area and long-term
effects of GM plant cultivation. These include
extrapolation techniques - among others - based on
modelling, remote sensing as well as analyses using
geographic information systems (GIS) and data base
networks.
With this conference we want to provide a platform to
collate and discuss available methods and the state-of-
the-art in the relevant disciplines. Our intention is to
bring together expertise from different fields to
communicate innovative methods and to enhance
progress in assessing large-scale and long-term
implications of GM cultivation.
We invite contributions to the following topics:
Basic implications for the human dimension:
... Food safety
... Consumer sovereignty and
... Comparison with other systemic risks
Agricultural and agronomic implications
... Growers options and
... Trait segregation
Biodiversity and conservation implications
... Assessment and management of
The conference contributes to the Social-Ecological
Research funded by the German Ministry for Education
and Research (BMBF). It is attempted to collate general
strategies to cope with systemic risks brought about by
recent social and technological developments. The
management of theses risks requires the involvement of
larger sectors of modern society due to the inherent
complex ways how these organise and access natural
resources (www.sozial-oekologische-forschung.org/en)
6 February 2008: GMO debate at Trinity College Dublin
The College Historical Society •
7.30 - 10pm
You are cordially invited to Ireland's first public debate on GM food since 1998.
Speakers will debate the Motion "That genetically modified food should be considered safe to eat and ethical to produce".
The principal speakers are:
•
Senator Deirdre De Burca
Green Party
www.deirdredeburca.ie
•
Michael K. Hansen, PhD
Senior Food Safety Scientist, Consumers Union (USA)
www.consumers.org
•
Prof David McConnell
Co-ordinator and Co-Vice President, European Action on Global Life Sciences
www.efb-central.org/eagles
•
Michael O'Callaghan
Co-ordinator, GM-free Ireland Network
www.gmfreeireland.org
•
Lord Dick Taverne
Chair, Sense About Science
www.senseaboutscience.org.uk
This event is hosted by the Trinity College Historical Society (www.thehist.com) which claims to be the world's oldest debating society.
Admission free. All are welcome. Please be on time at 7.30pm.
Venue location
As you enter TCD from the main entrance on College Green, you arrive into Front Square with a great lawn beyond it. The College Historical Society (a.k.a. "the Hist") is in the Graduates Memorial Building, on the left side of this lawn.
Who should attend:
•
Civil servants from the
Department of Health & Children,
Department of Agriculture & Food,
Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government,
Food Safety Authority of Ireland,
Office of the Chief Scientific Officer of Ireland
•
Medical and healthcare professionals
•
Consumer groups
•
Farmers organisations
•
Non Governmental Organisations
•
Local Authorities
•
Food and hospitality industry organisations
•
General public
Note to journalists:
For interviews with Dr. Michael Hansen, contact GM-free Ireland on (0404) 43 885 or 087 799 4761.
6 July 2007: Co. Wicklow's food and farming future:
Community discussion with Michael O'Callaghan, GM-free Ireland Network
The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow •
8pm sharp
The Big Picture Society cordially invites you to a community discussion about the local implications of the government's new policy to keep the whole island of Ireland free of genetically modified (GM) seeds and crops.
GM seeds and crops are patented by giant transnational corporations like Monsanto, BASF and Syngenta as part of their strategy to control the world's agricultural seeds. Whoever controls the seeds controls the food. Farmers contaminated by GM crops may no longer own their seeds and crops. Scientific evidence shows many GM crops are inherently unstable, fail to perform in the long term, and are linked to death and diseases in laboratory animals, livestock and the human population.
The new government policy to declare Ireland a GMO-free zone provides us in Co. Wicklow with an opportunity to protect our health and to boost the economic future of our food, farming and tourism sectors for generations to come.
Potential benefits include:
•
Positioning Co. Wicklow as a green eco-tourism destination
•
Branding Wicklow lamb, cheese and other local farm produce with GM-free quality food label
•
More tillage farming to supply GM-free feed for cattle, sheep and poultry
•
Linking National Park, farmers, food producers and tourism operators for mutual benefit
•
Strengthening local economy
•
More security for sustainable and organic farmers
•
Enhanced natural and agricultural biodiversity
•
Improved food quality, food safety and food security
•
Clean green food island image becoming reality
Context:
Some months back, Councillor Deirdre de Burca tabled a motion for the County Council to declare our area a GMO-free zone. Following two briefings on the issue given to the Council's Strategic Policy Committee on the Environment and Water Services since then, the outgoing Co. Council chairman Joe Behan said "The future of Irish farming is dependent entirely on our farmers' ability to breed and rear top-of-the-range livestock and produce high quality dairy and horticultural produce. GM is simply not an option for Ireland."
Wicklow Co. Council is expected to vote on the issue soon. Co. Wicklow farmers and landowners have already declared over 6,700 acres of their land off-limits to GMO seeds, crops and trees. At the island level, elected representatives of 9 counties and 9 towns, representing over 1 million citizens, have already prohibited the release of GMO crops and livestock in their areas.
But following the new government's GM-free policy, the World Trade Organisation, the European Commission and the US government are stepping up the political pressure to force Ireland to legalise GM seeds and crops.
This discussion at the Tinahely Courhouse presents an opportunity for all of us to get more informed and take democratic responsibility to protect the future of our food, farming and future generations.
Who should attend:
•
TDs, County and Town Councillors
•
landowners, farmers, foresters
•
food producers, food retailers, restaurateurs, hoteliers
•
tourism operators, golf course owners, fishermen, anglers, gardeners
•
teachers, students and consumers
•
health professionals
•
journalists
Admission free - all are welcome
Please be on time at 8pm sharp.
22 February 2007: Should Co. Galway become a GMO-free zone?
Alcock & Brown Hotel, Clifden, 8pm - 10.30pm
The GM-free Ireland Network cordially invites you to a screening of the film The Future of Food (which examines the negative impacts of genetically modified food and farming), on Thursday 22 February at the Alcock & Brown Hotel in Clifden. The film will be followed by a community discussion about the campaign to declare Co. Galway a GMO-free zone, facilitated by Michael O'Callaghan (Co-ordinator, GM-free Ireland Network).
Patented GM seeds and crops can never be recalled after their release and would contaminate our ecosystem and food chain in perpetuity. Contaminated famers may be sued for patent infringement and lose ownership of their seeds and crops. Our Government is determined to legalise their cultivation this year, even though there is no market for GM food in Europe. This policy would have negative legal and economic impacts on our farm, food and tourist sectors - and on the health of present and future generations - for thousands of years to come. Under EU law, stakeholders who will be affected by such a policy have a legal right to participate in its formulation.
This film screening and discusion present an opportunity for you to inform yourself about this issue, and find out how to stand up for your democratic legal right to protect Co. Galway from the GMO invasion.
Who should attend:
TDs, County and Town Councillors, journalists, landowners, farmers, foresters, food producers, food retailers, restaurateurs, hoteliers, tourism operators, golf course owners, fishermen, anglers, gardeners, health professionals, students and consumers.
Admission free. All are welcome.
Please be on time at 8 pm.
Contact:
Terry Conroy (in Clifden) • 095 30671 • 086 378 1306
Michael O'Callaghan, GM-free Ireland • (0404) 43 885 • 087 799 4761
21 February 2007: Should Co. Longford become a GMO-free zone?
Public Library, Longford, 7.30pm - 10pm
The GM-free Ireland Network cordially invites you to a screening of the film The Future of Food (which examines the negative impacts of genetically modified food and farming), on Wednesday 21 February at the Public Library in Longford. The film will be followed by a community discussion about the campaign to declare Co. Longford a GMO-free zone, facilitated by Michael O'Callaghan (Co-ordinator, GM-free Ireland Network) and John Brennan (farmer and chair of the Western Organic Network).
Patented GM seeds and crops can never be recalled after their release and would contaminate our ecosystem and food chain in perpetuity. Contaminated famers may be sued for patent infringement and lose ownership of their seeds and crops. Our Government is determined to legalise their cultivation this year, even though there is no market for GM food in Europe. This policy would have negative legal and economic impacts on our farm, food and tourist sectors - and on the health of present and future generations - for thousands of years to come. Under EU law, stakeholders who will be affected by such a policy have a legal right to participate in its formulation.
This film screening and discusion present an opportunity for you to inform yourself about this issue, and find out how to stand up for your democratic legal right to protect Co. Longford from the GMO invasion.
Who should attend:
TDs, County and Town Councillors, journalists, landowners, farmers, foresters, food producers, food retailers, restaurateurs, hoteliers, tourism operators, golf course owners, fishermen, anglers, gardeners, health professionals, students and consumers.
The event is hosted by the Longford Environmental Alliance. Admission free. All are welcome.
Please be on time at 7.30 pm.
Contact:
Noreen McLoughlin, Longford Environmental Alliance • 087 412 7248
Michael O'Callaghan, GM-free Ireland • (0404) 43 885 • 087 799 4761
20 November 2006: Co. Wicklow's food and farming future
The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, 8pm
The GM-free Ireland Network cordially invites you to a screening of the film The Future of Food (which examines the negative impacts of genetically modified food and farming), on Monday 20 November at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely. The film will be followed by a community discussion about the campaign to declare Co. Wicklow a GMO-free zone, facilitated by Michael O'Callaghan (Co-ordinator, GM-free Ireland Network).
Our Government is now poised to allow the invasion of Ireland by patented GMO seeds, crops, trees, fish and livestock. This invasion would be irreversible and have catastrophic economic effects on our farm, food and tourist sectors. Co. Wicklow farmers and landowners have already declared over 5,300 acres of their land as off-limits to GMO seeds, crops and trees, and asked the County Council to declare the Garden of Ireland a GMO-free zone. The Council is expected to vote on the issue in the weeks ahead. Nine other counties and nine towns (including Bray) already prohibit the release of GM crops.
This evening presents an opportunity for community stakeholders to get informed and stand up for their democratic legal right to protect Co. Wicklow's food and farming future from the GMO invasion.
Who should attend:
TDs, County and Town Councillors, journalists, landowners, farmers, foresters, food producers, food retailers, restaurateurs, hoteliers, tourism operators, golf course owners, fishermen, anglers, gardeners, health professionals, students and consumers.
The event is hosted by the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely. Admission free. All are welcome.
Please be on time at 8pm.
7 November 2006: All-Ireland Organic Summit
The Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon
Practical and effective strategies to overcome challenges in the Irish organic marketplace and maximise the profitability of your business. Organised by Atlantic Organics, with pre-event workshops on 6 November. For details please visit www.atlanticorganics.com.
29 October 2006: The health risks of GM foods
Your Health Show 2006
Landsdowne Room, RDS Industries Hall, Royal Dublin Society
Ballsbridge, Dublin, 5-6pm
The Your Health Show (the 7th Irish Natural Foods and Healthcare Exhibition) will feature an illustrated overview of scientific evidence linking genetically modified food to deaths and disease in laboratory animals, livestock and the human population. The presentation will be made by Michael O'Callaghan, Co-ordinator, GM-free Ireland Network.
Costs € 10 for the full day (€ 5 for OAPs & free to children under 12) includes FREE admission to all the talks and demonstrations.
Your Health Show is produced by the Irish Association of Health Stores. For progamme info see www.irishhealthstores.com/events.php. For background information about the health risks of GM food and farming, see www.gmfreeireland.org/health
26 - 30 October 2006: Terra Madre Festival / Salone del Gusto
Hosted by Slow Food International, Turin, Italy
1500 food communities from 5 continents and 150 countries, 5000 farmers, breeders, fishermen and traditional food producers, 1000 cooks and 200 universities meet in Turin to share experiences and discuss the development of a new concept of agriculture and good, clean and fair food at the second Terra Madre festival. Terra Madre will co-incide with the related Salone Del Gusto - the
internationally renowned biennial exhibition attended by large numbers of food and
wine enthusiasts. Both events will take place from 26th-30th October 2006, the Salone being at the Lingotto
Fiere Exhibition Centre and the Terra Madre at the new Oval venue in Turin. For details please visit www.terramadre2004.org/terramadre and www.salonedelgusto.com/welcome_eng.lasso.
5 October 2006: Leviathan Political Cabaret: The Politics of Food
Crawdaddy, Old Harcourt Station, Harcourt St., Dublin 2.
Doors open 8pm, debate at 9pm.
Leviathan is back at CrawDaddy this Thursday for more compelling interactive debate, savage political satire, comedy and performance poetry to shake things up a bit.
Joining host David McWilliams for a mouth-watering evening of intelligent entertainment to discuss issues such as the global politics of food production, the Slow Food movement, Ireland: the Food Island, restaurants, critics and more are:
Trevor White, editor and publisher of The Dubliner magazine
Tom Arnold, Chief Executive of Concern
Helen Lucy Burke, restaurant critic
Dr. Patrick Wall, former head of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and professor of Public Health at UCD; and
Seamus Sheridan of the Slow Food movement and Sheridan's Cheesemongers
Musical satire from Paddy Cullivan aka Clint Velour
and
Performance poetry from Marty Mulligan
"The hottest ticket in town..." The New York Times.
Tickets §20 available on the door on the night.
4 October 2006: Getting ready to declare Co. Wicklow a GMO-free zone:
community discussion at Marc Michel Organic Cafe, Tinna Park, Kilpedder, 8pm
The GM-free Ireland Network will host a community discussion with Michael O'Callaghan (Coordinator, GM-free Ireland Network) and Marc Michel (organic farmer & restaurateur), on the farming, health, environmental, tourism, legal and economic benefits of declaring Co. Wicklow a GMO-free zone.
Who should attend:
Landowners, farmers, foresters, food producers, food retailers, restaurateurs, hoteliers, tourism operators, golf course owners, fishermen, anglers, gardeners, students and consumers.
Directions: from Dublin or Bray: take M11 southbound, past exits for Greystones / Delgany, after Derek Burton garage take exit for Newtown Mount Kennedy, through 2 roundabouts, left at third roundabout onto M11 Northbound towards Dublin, turn left at MM sign half way along the deceleration lane for the Kilpedder exit, and follow signs for Marc Michel Organic Life.
From Wicklow: take M11 northbound towards Dublin, past exit for Newtown Mount Kennedy, turn left at MM sign half way along the deceleration lane for the Kilpedder exit, and follow signs for Marc Michel Organic Life.
Admission free. All are welcome. Please call (01) 201 1882 for reservations.
1 October 2006: European Agricultural Biodiversity Day
Celebration at the Irish Seed Savers Association, Capparoe, Scariff, Co. Clare
On Sunday, October 1st, a range of workshops and activities will mark the celebration of the European Agricultural Biodiversity Day at the Irish Seed savers Association, Capparoe, Scariff. Workshops will include rare poultry breeds; bee-keeping; native Irish grains; saving and processing home-grown vegetable seed; the Irish draught horse; horse-ploughing; hurdle making and blacksmithing; stone wall building and fruit-juicing exhibitions.
For enquiries call (061) 921 866.
25 September 2006: Briefing on GMO threats to Co. Wicklow
Wicklow County Council office, Wicklow
Michael O'Callaghan of GM-free Ireland will brief the Wicklow Co. Council Strategic Policy Committee for Water and Environment on the benefits of declaring Co. Wicklow a GMO-free zone. Councillors may attend but not the public.
For enquiries call Helena Dennehy on (0404) 20296.
12 September 2006: The Future of Food
Exploring GMOs and farming in Africa
This seminar on food sovereignty was hosted by the Africa-Europe Faith and Justice Network - Ireland. Speakers include Fr. Seán McDonagh SSC, Michael O'Callaghan of GM-free Ireland, and Selam Desta from Ethiopia. Venue: Purcell House, All Hallows, Grace Park Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. 11 am - 4pm, Tuesday 12 September 2006. RSVP Amanda Dillon, Irish Missionary Union, tel +353 (01) 492 3325.
6 September 2006: Should Co. Wicklow become a GM-free zone?
Community discussion at Marc Michel Organic Cafe, Tinna Park, Kilpedder, 8pm
The GM-free Ireland Network hosted a screening of the documentary film The Future of Food followed by a community discussion with Michael O'Callaghan (Coordinator, GM-free Ireland Network) and Marc Michel (organic farmer & restaurateur), on the farming and tourism benefits of declaring Co. Wicklow a GMO-free zone. Partipants decided to hold a follow-up meeting on 4 October.
3 September 2006: Euro-Toques 5th National Food Forum & Fair
"Ireland - the food island?" – Developing Ireland as a Culinary Destination
Brooklodge Hotel, Macreddin, Co. Wicklow.
This year's forum, entitled "Ireland, the Food Island? Developing Ireland as a
Culinary Destination", will examine the area of food tourism and the potential for Ireland to develop this industry. The forum, supported by Fáilte Ireland, will welcome experts from the US and Ireland. Representatives from all areas of the food and tourism sectors are enthusistically invited to participate in this discussion. Reservations (+ optional accomodation) must be booked in advance. For details please download the flyer and booking form or visit the Euro-Toques web site at www.eurotoquesirl.org.
24 July 2006: Call for Donegal to declare itself a GMO-free zone
Ostán Thoraí, Tory Island, Co. Donegal, 10 pm.
The GM-free Ireland Network hosted a screening of the documentary film The Future of Food followed by a community discussion with Michael O'Callaghan (Coordinator, GM-free Ireland Network) and John Brennan (chair, Western Organic Network), regarding the benefits of bringing back organic farming and declaring Tory Island a GMO-free zone as part of an eco-tourism initiative which could be launched later this year. See press release.
22 July 2006: Call for Donegal to declare itself a GMO-free zone
Inishowen Summer Gathering, Caratra, Culdaff, Co. Donegal, 7pm.
The GM-free Ireland Network hosted a community discussion on the benefits of declaring Donegal a GMO-free zone, as part of the Inishowen Summer Gathering at Culdaff. The discussion was facilitated by Michael O'Callaghan (Coordinator, GM-free Ireland Network) and John Brennan (chair, Western Organic Network). See press release.
16-18 June 2006: Green Ireland Conference
Branding for Food, Farming and Eco-tourism
Kilkenny Castle, Co. Kilkenny.
Delegates from America, Asia and Europe attending this conference gave a strong warning that Ireland's world famous clean green image - which provides a competitive advantage for our food, farm, and tourism industries - will soon be lost if the Irish government and the Irish Farmers Association fail to resist pressure from the WTO and the European Commission to force the release of patented genetically modified (GM) animal feed, seeds, crops, trees, fish and livestock here. The event provided a historic opportunity for Irish policy makers and stakeholders to meet with key international experts to explore our democratic participation, legal rights and responsibilities for the future of food and farming - and Ireland's brand recognition in a globalising world. Proceedings, photos, and press release.
25 April 2006: GMO potatoes: will farmers in Co. Meath be contaminated?
Community discussion and screening of The Future of Food film
Summerhill Community Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath, 8pm.
The GM-free Meath Network will show the film followed by a community discussion with John Brennan (Leitrim Organic Farmers Coop), Padraig Fahy (Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association), Kathy Marsh (EPA - GMO Advisory Committee), Fr. Seán McDonagh SCC (Author "Patenting Life?"), and Michael O'Callaghan (GM-free Ireland Network). Summerhill is the proposed location for the controversial GMO potato experiment currently being considered by the EPA. A large audience is expected to attend. Admission free. Download flyer.
12 April 2006: Should Co. Limerick become a GMO-free zone?
Askeaton Hotel, Askeaton, Co. Limerick, 8 - 10.30 pm.
A screening of the award-winning documentary film The Future of Food, followed by an open community discussion with Kathy Sinnott MEP, Michael O'Callaghan of GM-free Ireland and others. Admission free.
4 April 2006: screening of The Future of Food film
Lifetime Lab, Lee Road Cork, 5.30 - 7 pm.
The Cork Environmental Forum will show the film at Cork City's Life Long Learning Festival at 5.30 pm in the Lifetime Lab, Lee Road (the Old Cork City Pumping Station - almost facing County Hall).
3 April 2006: Should Co. Meath become a GMO-free zone?
Iona Hall, Bective Street, Kells Co Meath, 8pm.
County Councillors and citizens of Co. Meath are cordially invited to a screening of the award-winning documentary film The Future of Food, followed by an emergency community discussion about the proposed 5-year GMO potato experiment due to start at the Teagasc Grange Research Centre in Summerhill, Co. Meath this April. Invited speakers include John Brennan (Leitrim Organic Farmers Coop), Padraig Fahy (IOFGA), Fr. Seán McDonagh, and Michael O'Callaghan (GM-free Ireland Network). A large audience is expected to attend.
Admission is free and open to everyone.
20 March 2006: Should Co. Westmeath become a GMO-free zone?
Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar, 8pm - 10.30 pm.
County Councillors and citizens of Westmeath are cordially invited to a screening of the award-winning documentary film The Future of Food, followed by an emergency community discussion about the implications of genetically modified (GM) seeds and crops for the farmers, food producers and consumers of Westmeath. The discussion will be facilitated by Michael O'Callaghan, co-ordinator of the GM-free Ireland Network. All the County Councillors approached so far have endorsed the urgent need for the Westmeath community to inform itself on this issue, since the world's largest chemicals company BASF has requested permission to launch a 5-year GMO potato experiment in Co. Meath this April. A large audience is expected to attend.
Admission is free and open to everyone.
9 March 2006: Genetically modified food and farming:
Should Kerry be a GMO-free zone?
Mangerton Suite, Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, 8pm.
Michael O'Callaghan will speak on this subject as part of the Nature for All series of public debates and lectures organised by the Killarney Conservation Group in association with the Local Environment Partnership Fund.
The talk will be followed by a community discussion. All are welcome. Admission free.
You can download a poster for this event (A4 size, 648kb pdf file).
1 March 2006: Screening of The Future of Food film
9pm, Abbey Hotel, Roscommon.
Hosted by GM-free Roscommon. All are welcome. Admission free.
22 February 2006: GMO potato protest
Dáil entrance, Kildare St., Dublin, 1.15pm.
Irish farmers, food producers and consumers will hold a public protest at the entrance to the Dáil at 1.15pm on Wednesday 22 February to call for the Government to ban genetically modified (GM) crops in Ireland, and prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from authorising the release of GMO potatoes in Co. Meath.
There will be a related press conference at 12.30pm at the Georgian Room in Buswell's Hotel on Molesworth St. Due to space limitations, the press conference is restricted to the media and politicians only, but all speakers will join the public protest at the D·il entrance at 1.15pm.
29 January 2006: Playing God with DNA
Glor Arts Centre, Friar's Walk, Ennis, Co. Clare, 7.30pm.
An illustrated, animated lecture by Dr Michael Telford, designed to introduce non-scientists to the topic of genetic engineering and associated health, environmental and ethical issues. An open discussion will follow the lecture. Cost €5 euro.
26 January 2006: Screening of The Future of Food film
Hosted by GM-free Kerry, at the Abbeygate Hotel, Tralee Co. Kerry, 8pm.
Everyone in Kerry should see "The Future of Food". This award-winning documentary provides an in-depth look at the genetically modified foods controversy. Shot on location in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the film examines the complex web of market and political forces that are changing what we eat as huge multinational corporations seek to control the world's food system through patented GM crops which invade conventional and organic crops and require contaminated farmers to pay annual patent royalties or face patent-infringement lawsuits. The film explores alternatives to large-scale industrial agribusiness, placing organic and sustainable agriculture as solutions to the global farm crisis. Produced by Deborah Koons Garcia. 90 minutes.
The screening will be followed by a community discussion with Green Party leader Trevor Sargent and others. Admission free. To reserve a seat call the Abbeygate Hotel on (066) 712 9888.
24 January 2006: Institute of Biology Ireland
Free seminar on GMOs, RDS Library, Ballsbridge, Dublin
Note: the Institute of Biology Ireland is a founding member of the European Federation of Biotechnology. The latter's credibility is compromised because Prof David McConnell of TCD, who denies the existence of the scientific evidence of the risks of GM food and farming, sits on its Executive Board. Expect the usual agri-biotech industry hype!
6.30 pm: "GM crops and the threat to biodiversity: a sheep in wolves clothing!"
Conor Meade, NUY Maynooth.
7.00 pm: "Can GM crops do the job?"
Ewen Mullins, Teagasc, Carlow.
7.30 pm: "Maximising food production, maintaining biodiversity - the debate"
Edward Walsh, University College Cork
8.00 pm: Open Q&A and Discussion
The seminar is free and open to all. For further info or to confirm a place contact Johanna Suhr, RDS Science Department, tel (01) 240 7255 or email Johanna.suhr@rds.ie
14 - 15 January 2006:
2nd European Conference on GMO-free regions, biodiversity & rural development
Three delegates from the GM-free Ireland Network participated in the Second European Conference on GMO free regions. Organised by the European NGO Network on Genetic Engineering, the Assembly of European Regions and the Foundation on Future Farming, the event was attended by 250 politicians, farmers, food producers, food exporters, scientists and NGO delegates from around the world. Proceedings available at www.gmo-free-regions.org.
4 January 2006: GM foods debate at Bewleys Cafe Theatre
Michael O'Callaghan of GM-free Ireland and Tom Arnold of Concern debated the question "Can GM foods end famine?" at Bewley's Cafe Theatre on Grafton St, Dublin. The debate was hosted by Comhlamh - the Irish Association of Development Workers (www.comhlamh.org), and was chaired by RTE's Rodney Rice. The event was sold out. Tom Arnold said he did not want to go on the record as stating that GM crops could solve world hunger, but that we should not rule the possibility that they might be able to do so one day. Michael O'Callaghan said the notion that GM crops could end famine is pure hype, the swansong of the agri-biotech industry faced by growing world-wide rejection of its dangerous and unwanted products.
17 May 2005: EU Parliament Conference:
Safeguarding Sustainable European Agriculture
Coexistence, GMO free zones and the promotion of quality food produce in Europe
The Assembly of European Regions (AER) and Friends of the Earth Europe (FOEE) will co-host a conference on "Safeguarding sustainable European agriculture: Coexistence, GMO free zones and the promotion of quality food produce in Europe" on 17 May 2005 in the European Parliament, Brussels. This is taking place with the kind invitation of Mr Janusz Wojciechowski - member of the European Parliament - and the support of the regions of Upper Austria and Tuscany.
How can we safeguard the rights of farmers and manufacturers to produce food without genetically modified organisms (GMOs)? And how do we ensure that traditional and organic agriculture can not only be safeguarded but also effectively promoted in future European agriculture?
These two questions will be at the heart of the conference. For the first time members of the European Parliament, representatives from European regions, the European Commission, the EU member states, farmers organisations and environmental NGOs will discuss together the possible content of an EU wide legislative framework for the coexistence between genetically modified (GM), conventional, traditional and organic agriculture.
The conference will take place against a highly charged background. As a consequence of the decision by the European Commission in May 2004 to restart the EU authorisation process for genetically modified products, more than 100 regions and 3500 areas throughout Europe have declared themselves GMO-free. This growing movement is driven by concerns over the freedom of choice for farmers and consumers, environmental safety and the lack of so-called coexistence rules at the EU level, that tell farmers how they should separate traditional, organic and GM crops.
However, a new political opportunity is opening up with the EU agricultural Commissioner, Mariann Fischer Boell, stating that she will consider a new EU regulatory framework on coexistence. The conference on 17 May will explore the legal possibilities to include the concerns and wishes of the regions into any new legislative framework. The conference will be free of charge and there will be simultaneous translation in 5 languages (English, French, Italian, German and Polish).
Further information about the conference and a registration form are available at
www.gmofree-conference.org.
22 April 2005: 1,000 GMO-free zones to be launched in Ireland
Get the details, declare your farm or premises GMO-free, and organise a related local event in your community.
More.
31 March 2005: Prime Time's investigation of GMO controversy on RTE 1
Prime Time's 31 March 2005 broadcast Included a debate with Jeffrey M. Smith (author of Seeds of Deception: exposing corporate and government lies about the safety of genetically engineered food,); Simon Barber (Director of Biotechnology, EuropaBio); Prof. David McConnell, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, TCD; Co-chair EAGLES - European Action on Global Life Sciences; Chair, Irish Times Trust); and Michael O'Callaghan, Co-ordinator, GM-free Ireland Network. Watch the show at www.rte.ie/news/2005/0331/primetime.html
22-23 January 2005: European Conference on GMO free Regions, Biodiversity and Rural Development
The conference, organised during the International Green Week in Berlin, heard that with over 100 regional and 3,500 sub-regional areas now declaring themselves GMO-free, it was time for European law to be changed to protect such areas from the cultivation of GM crops. Berlin Declaration.
200 delegates from GMO free regions and from 30 European countries called on the European institutions to protect conventional and organic seeds from GMO contamination, to establish the regions right to stay GMO-free and to give them a say in the approval process of GMOs, which they find scientifically questionable and not based on the precautionary principle.
Benedikt Haerlin, conference organiser from GENET and the German-based Foundation on Future Farming said: "There is fast growing and unstoppable movement against the cultivation of genetically modified crops all over Europe. A new alliance of local and regional authorities, nature protection agencies and farmers unions with environmental and consumer organizations has emerged to defend their freedom of choice and the self-determination of the regions." See our interview.
Representatives of the Tuscan government announced that agricultural ministers, forming a GMO-free network of regional governments, will meet in Florence, Italy, on February 4th to take further steps to protect their citizens and the rights of the Regions within the European Union. See our interview with Maria Gracia Mammucini.
Full proceedings are available at http://sos.k42.org/conference/
The Conference was organised by the following organisations:
Assembly of European Regions (AER): www.are-regions-europe.org
European NGO Network on Genetic Engineering: www.genet-info.org
Foundation on Future Farming: http://sos.k42.org/conference/Foundation.html
24 November 2004: Dáil hearing on GM animal feed and crops
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment and Local Government has invited GM-free Ireland Network co-ordinator Michael O'Callaghan and Friends of the Earth Ireland spokesperson Mark Deary to speak at a public meeting in the Dáil on Wednesday 24 November to examine the issue of GM farming in general, and what position Ireland should take in a forthcoming EU vote on a proposal for a Council Decision to legalise Monsanto's GT73 GM oilseed rape for use as animal feed throughout the EU.
This GM oilseed rape is geneticaly modified to withstand Roundup weedkiller. GM oilseed rape seeds sprout, spread, contaminate other farmers up to 26km away by wind-borne pollen, create superweeds, wipe out organic farmers, and are the subject of class action lawsuits in Canada and the USA.
Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser who got sued by Monsanto after being contaminated by GM oilseed rape, has warned Irish farmers "Don't allow it in, because once you do there is no calling it back! I guarantee you, if you introduce it today and I come back four or five years from now, it will be all over your country."
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 24 November at 2.30pm in Committee Room 3 in Leinster House, Dublin. For enquiries call the Committee Secretariat on (01) 618 3153.
European Conference on GMO free Regions,
Biodiversity and Rural Development
Berlin, 22-23 January 2005
During the International Green Week in Berlin, Europe's largest fair of agricultural products, a two day conference on GMO free regions, biodiversity and rural development will bring together farmers, activists and experts, politicians, scientists, lawyers and civil servants working for GMO free regions in Europe. They will share information, experience and know-how and join forces to make the cause for GMO-free regions heard in Brussels and in the capitals of Europe. The event is organised by the Assembly of European Regions, the European Network on Genetic Engineering and the Foundation on Future Farming, and is sponsored by the German Government's Agency for Nature Conservation. For information and registration please visit http://sos.k42.org/conference/.
20 October 2004: Special European Parliament Briefing on GM risks
Issued by Scientists for a GM-Free Sustainable Europe:
An international panel of scientists will call on Europe to ban all environmental releases of genetically modified (GM) crops and instead to promote and adopt sustainable agricultural practices as a matter of urgency.
Invited speakers include:
Dr. Tewolde Egziabher, distinguished agronomist and director of Ethiopia's Environment al Protection Authority, who will tell Parliament why his country is going organic to feed the poorest; an important policy decision based on the remarkable increase in crop yields subsequent to the introduction of a simple composting package in the State of Tigray since 1996.
Edward Goldsmith, founding editor of The Ecologist , who will present evidence on why sustainable agriculture must be adopted to ameliorate climate change.
Michael Meacher, MP, former environment minister of the UK, who will call for changes in science research and other policies that are needed to shift away from GM in order to support and invest in sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Mae-Wan Ho, director of the Institute of Science in Society, who will tell Parliament that genetic modification is based on the discredited science of genetic determinism and hence unlikely to deliver its many promises; and that the new genetics of the 'fluid genome' demands a thoroughly ecological approach to health and agriculture.
Jill Evans, MEP Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales (Greens/EFA), will be chairing and hosting the event organised by the Institute of Science in Society, the Independent Science Panel, GM Free Cymru and Third World Network.
The English, French and Spanish editions of the Independent Science Panel Report, The Case for a GM-Free Sustainable World (which you can download here as a 408kb PDF file) will be released on the occasion. This Report is a comprehensive dossier of evidence on the problems and hazards of GM agriculture and the proven successes of all forms of sustainable farming systems around the world.
The briefing will take place from 13.30 to 17.00 on 20 October 2004 at the European Parliament.
It is organised by the Institute of Science in Society (www.i-sis.org.uk), the Independent Science Panel (www.i-sis.org.uk), GM-Free Cymru and Third World Network (www.twnside.org.sg), in conjunction with Jill Evans MEP. Spaces are limited and participants must register by 1st October, 2004.
14 October 2004: John Seymour memorial
A memorial service will be held for John Seymour, anti-GM campaigner and godfather of Ireland's sustainability movement, at Duncannon Church, Co Wexford, at 7 p.m. on October 14th.
The following is his obituray from The Irish Times, 25 September 2004.
John Seymour: Hero and godfather to the sustainability movement dies.
John Seymour, the environmentalist best known as the author of the smallholders' bible, The Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency, has died aged 90. Born in England in 1914, he moved to Ireland 24 years ago and hit the headlines at the age of 84 as one of the Arthurstown Seven, the group which damaged Monsanto's genetically modified crop of sugar beet in 1999.
Seymour's childhood was spent on a farm in Essex dreaming of becoming a cowboy (his mother was American, and his stepfather was the chairman of Quaker Oats).
After agricultural college he went looking for adventure in Africa, where he spent time with the hunter-gatherers of the Kalahari, the Bushmen. At the outbreak of the second World War, he joined the King's African Rifles and fought against the Japanese in Burma. What kept him sane during this time, he said, were six classical records which he would play on a wind-up gramophone.
On returning to Europe, he started a family with his first wife, Sally, and moved into a remote cottage in Sussex without water or electricity. Their early struggles for self-sufficiency were the subject of one of his most popular books, The Fat of the Land.
After moving to a bigger farm in Wales, he wrote The Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency, to advise smallholders on everything from how to make hedgerow wine to the best way to butcher a pig. Published in 1976 by Dorling Kindersley, it has sold more than a million copies in 20 countries and is on the shelf of everyone who has ever dreamed of living off the land.
In the foreword, Seymour shared the philosophy he lived by: "I am only one. I can only do what one can do. But what one can do, I will do."
Seymour, along with E.F. Schumacher, is one of the godfathers of the sustainability movement. He hated injustice of any kind and has been described as a freedom fighter for humans, animals and plants. He was far from being a pacifist and passionately believed in people getting "off their backsides" and becoming active.
In 1997 Seymour became a patron of VOICE, the Irish environmental group, and in 1999 he was the first person to jump over the fence to destroy the GM sugar beet. "If a government does not take action to protect its citizens from serious danger, is it not reasonable that the citizens should take action to protect themselves?" he asked.
Seymour was never afraid to stand up for his beliefs and inspired many young environmentalists. "Never be afraid of being called a crank," he once said. "Look up crank in the dictionary. It's defined as a useful object that starts revolutions."
Even after his "retirement" to a three-acre farm in Killowen, Co Wexford, at the age of 67, he continued his life's work. The self-sufficiency school he set up with partners, Angela Ashe and Will Sutherland continues to attract people from all over the world.
During his life he wrote more than 40 books and made many TV and radio documentaries. During the 1980s he travelled the world for the BBC's Far From Paradise, one of the first environmental series to look at the impact of industrialisation and urbanisation, and in the 1990s his down-to-earth wit and common sense made him a popular contributor to RTE's Nationwide programme.
Seymour, friends recall, will also be remembered for his ability to make friends wherever he went - from a lord in a castle to a drunk in the gutter - to sing sea shanties and to write doggerel verse.
John Seymour died peacefully at his farm in Wales and, as part of a green burial, was wrapped in home-made blankets made from his own sheep. He is survived by three wives, four daughters and one son. A memorial service will be held at Duncannon Church, Co Wexford, at 7 p.m. on October 14th.
John Seymour: born June 12th, 1914; died September 14th, 2004.
4 July 2004: Leading GM experts visit Ireland
Internationally renowned geneticist & biophysics professor Dr. Mae-Wan Ho and author Jeffrey M. Smith will explain the risks of genetic engineering at the National Future of Food Forum chaired by Nobel Peace Laureate John Hume and hosted by Euro-Toques Ireland on Sunday 4th July at Brook Lodge, Macreddin Village, Co. Wicklow. See press release for details.
Dr. Mae-Wan Ho is the Director of the Institute of Science in Society (www.i-sis.org.uk), co-founder of the International Science Panel on GM, a member of the Roster of Experts for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, Scientific Advisor to the Third World Network, visiting Professor of Biophysics at the University of Catania (Sicily), Senior Research Fellow at the Open University, and author of The Case for a GM-free Sustainable World (see our review).
Jeffrey M. Smith is the author of Seeds of Deception: exposing corporate and government lies about the safety of genetically engineered food, with a foreword by former UK Environment Minister Michael Meacher (see review). Visit his web site at www.seedsofdeception.com.
Other speakers include Alan Dukes (former Minister for Agriculture and current chairman of Agri-Vision 2015), and Robert Cook (from the International Society for Ecology and Culture - www.isec.org.uk).
For bookings please call Euro-Toques Ireland on (01) 677 9995 or visit their web site at
www.eurotoquesirl.org.
17 June 2004: Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association joins campaign
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association called on the Government to pursue an all-Ireland GM-free policy as part of an integral strategy to leverage the green image of Irish farm produce. ICSA Rural Development Chairman John Heney said our island status provides an unique opportunity for a credible GM-free policy for high value beef and lamb markets. More information.
26 April 2004: Proceedings of the Forging a GM Policy for Ireland workshop
The full proceedings of the Forging a GM Policy for Ireland workshop on 26 April 2004 are
now online.
Forging a GM policy for Ireland conference postponed to mid October 2004
This conference is designed for policy makers to explore the economic, environmental, health and security benefits of keeping Ireland GM-free. The programme includes keynote speeches by Michael Meacher MP (former UK Environment Minister) and RÈmi Parmentier (former Political Director, Greenpeace International), together with policy briefings by a line-up of European experts in related science, business, farming, environment, safe food, EU regulations and international law. For details visit the conference web site at www.global-vision.com
26 April 2004: IFA V.P. Ruaidhri Deasy declares opposition to release of GM crops
Speaking at the Forging a GM Policy for Ireland workshop at the Convergence Festival in Dublin on 26 April 2004, Ruaidhri Deasy, Deputy President of the Irish Farmers Association said "The IFA's stance on GMOs is: Keep GM products out of Ireland. We don't need them. We certainly can't pay for them. And our customers don't want them."
More.
10 December 2003: GM-free Ireland picks the Dáil
Farmers, businesses, and consumers staged a peaceful citizens's picket of the Government at the entrance to the Dáil on Kildare Street on Wednesday 10 December 2003 to ask the Government to (1) nullify its vote in favour of the EU-wide legalisation of GM food at a meeting of the EU Standing Committee of the Food Chain and Animal Health on 8 December, (2) support the right of Irish County Councils, National Parks, municipalities, farms and other local areas to declare themselves GM-free, and (3) excersise Ireland's right under the Biosafety Protocol to declare the Republic a GM-free zone.
14 - 16 November 2003: GE-free zones in Europe seminar / NGO strategy meeting
Vienna, Austria
GENET - the European NGO Network on Genetic Engineering is hosting a three day seminar in Vienna from 14 - 16 November. The agenda includes an overview of GE-free zones in Europe, GM-free seeds, risk assesment research on the impact of Bt maize on European butterfly species, GM legislation of the European Commission and its member states, reports on GM-free zones, action plans and strategy coordination. For details please visit the GENET web site at www.genet-info.org
