I would like to comment on the article from the Friday, May 25 paper, page B15, regarding the proposal currently in front of the federal government to allow a genetically modified apple into B.C.
I am opposed to this proposal with all of my intellect, heart and being. We do not need any “improvements” to the fruit grown in B.C. It is quite luscious and wonderful as it is. I have recently done some scholarly research into the ways and means of genetic modification, none of which proved to me that anyone or anything has been or will be improved by messing with its genetics.
Those who do this kind of work and find it ethically feasible to patent modified organisms, of which far too many already exist, must not be allowed to foist their unwanted products off onto any more unsuspecting people.
It has happened too much already in India, for example, and even in the United States.
It has cost many farmers their lives and livelihoods.
Agriculture is an open system; as such, any bees landing on modified fruit trees and subsequently landing on heritage varieties, may in fact contaminate the genes of these other varieties. Non-modified organisms (ourselves included) are under threat from the corporations whose driving force is profit.
There is no concern for the welfare of the planet or its inhabitants in this push to force everyone into dependence on seeds which will only grow with the help of harsh chemicals, and which furthermore do not produce viable seeds themselves.
Before such a proposal can be put to government, the population of B.C. must be better educated about genetic modification, and this education must come from an objective source, not from someone affiliated with or paid by the GMO corporations themselves.
People need to become aware of what this introduction of a modified organism means not only for ourselves, but for future generations.
Lacia Vogel, North Okanagan
