Yes to ecological agriculture!
You may all have observed or a number of you may even have participated in the various events related to the Anti-GMO Campaign In Cebu? Greenpeace, together with #GMOFREE Cebu, is gearing up for more events in their Cebu leg of their nationwide campaign that aims to promote ecological agriculture in the Philippines.
According to their press release, the Cebu leg kicked off last September 19, 21, 2014 in the Cebu Food and Fun Festival sa Escario at Escario Central, where a weekend market was held, as well as hourly talks conducted by experts on genetically modified crops, food safety issues, and the promotion of naturally grown produce for the benefit of public health, as well as the effects of GMO crops on local farmers.
Among the speakers was Councilor Nestor Archival who is currently pushing for an ordinance to regulate the entrance of genetically modified rice known as Golden Rice. As we know, rice is a staple in Filipino diet, and Cebuanos have expressed concerns about the risks this variety may pose not just on health but on the economy and the financial stability of local farmers as well.
Councilor Archival noted, in a privilege speech he delivered last August 28, that "some studies reveal that the production of GMO Crops require large surface areas . It occupies big farmlands - and so, GMO crops are linked to intensive monoculture systems that eventually wipe out other crops and ecosystems. It is our duty to our constituents to craft and pass ordinances and resolutions that help and protect our people. We can help and protect the Cebuanos if we can help ensure that the FOOD we bring to our tables is safe and healthy."
While there is no consensus on the effects of GMOs on health, and while these are still being studied, Greenpeace, together with #GMOFREE Cebu, believes field testing should be avoided and would rather choose to err on the side of caution by refusing GM crops to be served to local constituents. Together with Greenpeace, the #GMOFREE Cebu is also stressing on the importance of consuming non-GMO, non-chemical produce.
According to Paige Brady, October is Non-GMO Month.GMO stands for genetically modified organisms whose genetic makeup (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. Crops are currently modified to survive herbicide treatment, produce their own pesticides and resist certain diseases. More than 70% of our packaged foods contain GMOs. The five most prevalent GMO crops, sugar beets, soy, canola, cotton and corn end up as ingredients in all kinds of packaged foods. There is a campaign for mandatory labeling of GMO-derived food, for government-mandated labeling of GMO ingredients that would enable shoppers, retailers and manufacturers to make purchasing decisions that reflect their beliefs.
Aside from antiGMO campaign, ecological sustainability is also a main concern of the campaign in order for farmers to maintain the health of the ecosystems in which they operate.
The People's Forum on ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE was scheduled at the Social Hall at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on October 8, 2014. The Yes to Ecological Agriculture Diversity Fair was also schedule from October 6-8 at the Ayala Activity Center Cebu and featured an exhibit and stalls selling naturally grown produce and products made from natural sources.
Many farmers in the Philippines already practice ecological agriculture--a farming system that works in harmony with nature. It is beneficial not only to the environment but also to the livelihood of farmers in countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
But there are environmentally irresponsible initiatives like genetically engineered 'Golden' rice that threaten ecological farming. If released into the environment, there is a likely risk that 'Golden' rice will contaminate traditional rice varieties, weakening the Philippines' food security.
More and better food can be produced without destroying rural livelihoods and our natural resources. Support the Filipinos' right to nutrition and food diversity by saying Yes to Ecological Agriculture! . For more information about ecological agriculture and antiGMO campaign, you can go to their #GMOFREE Cebu FB site. Or contact Teresa Dosdos Ruelas, #GMO Free Cebu Convener at Mobile: 09156474666.
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