Should Co. Longford become a GMO-free zone?

longford | environment | event notice Monday February 19, 2007 00:32 by Michael O'Callaghan - GM-free Ireland Network

Film screening & community discussion

Wednesday 21 February
7.30pm - 10pm
Longford Public Library

The GM-free Ireland Network and the Longford Environmental Alliance cordially invite you to a screening of the film The Future of Food, which examines the negative impacts of genetically modified (GM) food and farming. 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, conventional and organic 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 7.30 pm.

Contact:

Noreen McLoughlin, Longford Environmental Alliance • 087 412 7248
Michael O’Callaghan, GM-free Ireland • (0404) 43 885 • 087 799 4761