THIS Saturday (May 25th, 2013), civil society activists and ordinary South Africans will gather outside the Fourways offices of US agro-chemical giant Monsanto, in a protest against the company¹s aggressive efforts to force "genetically modified organisms" (GMOs) on South African consumers and farmers.
Monsanto¹s toxic legacy of poisonous chemicals and environmental destruction is well documented, as is the frightening extent to which the company controls South Africa¹s food systems. Unfortunately, many South Africans still don¹t realise they are being sold unnatural, experimental, risky substances as part of their daily diet.
Growing numbers of South Africans are angry about being force-fed GMOs, however, and this protest will be an opportunity for them to unite and send a loud and clear message to Monsanto and the South African government that we will not allow Monsanto to control our food system with its toxic and poisonous chemicals, and its contempt for the environment, farmers and citizens.
Monsanto owns around 50% of South Africa's entire maize seed market, and has an absolute monopoly over the country¹s GM market. More than 80% of maize, 90% of soyabean and 100% of cottonseed sold this season were GM, all belonging to Monsanto. Yet, the majority of South Africans are completely in the dark about the risky and extremely dangerous food they consume everyday and have been doing so for more than a decade.
Although Monsanto has obtained approval from the South African government and is supported by commercial businesses that stand to profit from GMOs large food producers, the animal feed industry, and agri-business in general many small producers, family and organic farmers, consumers and independent advocacy groups vehemently oppose the use of GMOs in agriculture production.
Studies strongly suggest that GMOs pose serious long-term health impacts. Since maize is a staple food item in the diet of many millions of South Africans, Monsanto could be laying the groundwork for a public health disaster.
Organisers of the protest invite all South Africans who are concerned about the health and control of their food supply to join this peaceful protest action on the day.
source:The African Centre for Biosafety
www.acbio.org.zaPO Box 29170, Melville 2109 South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)11 486 1156
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