Join the Action!

1. Groups: You can sign the global rejection of GM wheat.

2. Individuals: You can send an instant email to the Minister of Agriculture and the Opposition Parties. (You will receive an email copy of the letter you send - send it to your Member of Parliament. You can search for your MP here using your postal code.)

Copy the Action Alert to email around!

Background: In 2009, Monsanto launched new GM wheat research and bought WestBred, a Montana company specializing in wheat germplasm. Monsanto's announcement followed a May 2009 statement from industry groups in Australia, Canada and the US stating that they would work together to synchronize commercialization in the three countries. This industry statement was quickly responded to via the Definitive Global Rejection of Genetically Engineered Wheat: Statement of Australian, Canadian and US Farmer, Environmental and Consumer Organizations. Read the statement. (or download the pdf.)

Summary Statement:

In light of our existing experience with genetic engineering, and recognizing the global consumer rejection of genetically engineered wheat, we restate our definitive opposition to GE wheat and our commitment to stopping the commercialization of GE traits in our wheat crops.

Organizations across the world are invited to sign on to this statement. Click here to see the list of 15 groups from Canada, Australia and the USA who initiated the statement.

Monsanto withdrew their applications to the Canadian and U.S. governments for approval of GE (Roundup Ready) Wheat in 2004 because of a global rejection from farmers and consumers. But on May 14, 2009, industry groups in Canada, Australia and the US pledged to "work toward the goal of synchronized commercialization of biotech traits in our wheat crops." Click here to read the industry statement.

Background

You can download two great factsheets from the National Farmers Union:

• Ten Reasons Why We Don't Want GM Wheat
• The Costs of GM Wheat