Environment, Petitions — By Olimpia Lee on April 28, 2012 11:45 am
Target: Poland’s Minister of Agriculture, Marek Sawicki
Goal: Support Poland’s proposed ban on Monsanto’s genetically modified corn
At the beginning of the month, Poland’s Minister of Agriculture, Marek Sawicki, announced the country’s decision to implement a complete ban on Monsanto’s genetically modified strain of maize, MON810. Mr. Sawicki’s announcement sets an important international precedent against Monsanto’s harmful genetically modified products. Since the decree outlining the ban is still in the works, it is imperative that the international community encourage Poland’s decision to prioritize environmental and public health over profit.
One of the primary reasons that Poland has decided to ban Monsanto’s strain of genetically modified corn, MON810, is because the pollen released from the crop may have a devastating effect on already dwindling bee populations. Additionally, the strain (along with other genetically modified crops) has been linked to a variety of health ailments and is considered toxic to many vital insects. To illustrate the fact, Polish beekeepers protested the use of genetically modified crops and pesticides last March by dumping thousands of dead bees, butterflies and moths on the steps of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Several other countries from the European Union, including France, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Greece, have banned the cultivation of MON810 on their territories due to concerns that it causes environmental damage. Even so, the European Commission has not reached a unified decision regarding whether or not to allow genetically modified crops. In fact, just one month before Mr. Sawicki announced Poland’s plans to ban MON810, the Danish presidency issued a proposal to allow the cultivation of genetically modified crops on the European continent. Thankfully, seven countries blocked the proposal, but a majority vote is still needed to either ban or allow genetically modified crops in the entire European Union.
Sign the petition below to show your support for Poland’s decision to ban Monsanto’s harmful strain of genetically modified corn. By doing so, perhaps other European countries will begin to put the wellbeing of farmers and the health of our ecosystem first.
PETITION LETTER
Dear Minister of Agriculture of Poland, Mr. Marek Sawicki,
I am writing to applaud your recent decision to implement a complete ban on Monsanto Company’s genetically modified strain of maize, MON810. Your announcement sets an important international precedent against Monsanto’s genetically modified products, which have been proven to be harmful for the health of vital insects, such as bees, that keep the fragile balance of our planet’s ecosystem.
I am encouraged by the opposition that Poland and many other European Union countries have expressed towards Monsanto’s genetically modified products. Yet I am disappointed that the European Commission has yet to establish whether or not to suspend authorization for growing genetically modified crops on the continent. It is my profound hope that your decision to ban Monsanto’s genetically modified corn will lead to other nations taking similar action, as the loss of bees and other important pollinators is extremely dangerous for the ecosystem and the future of our food.
Thank you for prioritizing environmental and public health over private profit.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
via Applaud Poland’s Decision to Ban Monsanto’s Genetically Modified Corn – ForceChange.
