unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (09/24/89)
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF PLANT BREEDER'S RIGHTS
September 22, 1989
Dear Environmentalists,
THE CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ASSOCIATION, THE FRIENDS OF
THE EARTH, ECOLOGY ACTION CENTRE, FRIENDS OF THE RAINFOREST, WILD
WEST ORGANIC COOP, lE MOUVEMENT AGRICULTURE BIOLOGIQUE AU QUEBEC,
AND ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE PROJECTS OF MACDONALD COLLEGE, MCGILL
UNIVERSITY, have joined other GROW coalition members in their
opposition to Bill C-15. We hope you will too!
On May 8th, the Mulroney government once again introduced
Bill C-15, euphemistically referred to as PLANT BREEDERS' RIGHTS
(PBR), to Parliament. On June 27th the Conservative Party evoked
closure on debate at second reading of the Bill. A legislative
committee will take up the Bill when the House reconvenes in
September. We hope MP's and committee members will hear from
your organization about your concerns!
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AROUND BILL C-15
The enclosed tabloid outlines many aspects which concern the
members of the GROW Coalition. The following environmental
concerns are expanded within the tabloid.
More Pesticides: In 1988 the Economist reported "Chemical
companies have spent $10 Billion or so in as many years buying up
seed companies worldwide..." and lists Pioneer Hi-Bred, Sandoz,
Dekalb-Pfizer, Upjohn, Limagrain, Shell Oil, ICI, Ciba-Geigy,
Orson and Cargill as the world's ten largest seed companies.
Seven of these 10 are also involved in crop chemicals and at
least six sell seeds in Canada already. This trend will escalate
if PBR should become law.
Lost Genetic Diversity: When a seed company develops a
successful variety, it quickly dominates the market. New
varieties are genetically uniform; if one plant is damaged by
disease, pests, or bad weather, the entire crop is also likely to
be affected, creating widespread destruction or even a world-
scale catastrophe. Extinction is forever: When a variety proves
susceptible to a particular threat, or as we face climatic
changes, breeders go back to more robust traditional varieties in
order to find the genetic material they need to overcome the
problem. However, according to some estimates, we have already
lost over 50% of the world's major traditional crops through
modern farming practices.
Limits to Sustainable agriculture: "Many farmers see organic
farming as one way to reduce the effects of the current financial
and environmental crises facing Canadian agriculture. Fewer
inputs are needed, costs are generally much lower and net income
is often much higher than in conventional food production, and
the health of consumers, the environment, livestock, and of
family farm members is better protected. If PBR is adopted in
Canada, organic farmers could face difficulty getting some of the
seed varieties they need - varieties that are not dependent on
pesticides and fertilizers to grow well." Rod MacRae, Ecological
Agriculture Projects.
Privatization of Canadian Agricultural R & D: Canadian farmers
must be guided and assisted to wean themselves off the
"pesticides treadmill" through farmer-directed research and
assistance as they convert to sustainable practices. This
requires a solid, well-directed public program within
universities and Agriculture Canada. If accepted, PBR will
ensure "privatization" of Canada's first class public plant
breeding programs.
HOW ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS CAN HELP:
1) Canadian consumers have spoken loud and clear - THEY DON'T
WANT PESTICIDES IN THEIR FOOD. G.R.O.W. needs the help of
environmental organizations to reach consumers - your supporters
- with these concerns around PBR. Please communicate with your
constituents and encourage them to join your organization in
writing letters! c/o The House of Commons, K1A 0A6
Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
The Right Honourable John Turner
The Honorable Ed Broadbent
Lucien Bouchard, Environment Minister
Sheila Copps, Liberal Environment Critic
Jim Fulton, NDP Environment Critic
Don Mazankowsky, Minister of Agriculture
Vic Althouse, NDP Agriculture Critic
Maurice Foster, Liberal Agriculture Critic
** Brian White, MP, Chair, C-15 Legislative Committee.
2) Get your media contacts to pick up on the issue!
3) Your financial contribution to GROW would be appreciated.
The GROW coalition asks you to join the opposition to PBR.
The NDP and Liberals oppose PBR as party policy - but as you know
a whole lot more is needed!
We cannot sit back and watch agricultural policies be developed
and implemented that will promote a continuance of, indeed an
increase of, unsustainable, chemically-dependant agricultural
practices.
Thank you for your time and commitment!
Susan McIntosh
for the GROW Coalition.
750-130 Slater St, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 4E2
613-594-8700
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