FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 JULY 31, 2001

GROUPS OPPOSE APPROVAL OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED WHEAT

Winnipeg--A diverse group of organizations has joined forces to oppose the introduction of genetically modified (GM) wheat in Canada.

The National Farmers Union (NFU), Manitoba's Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate (SOD), the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), Greenpeace Canada, The Council of Canadians, and the Canadian Health Coalition want the federal government to halt the approval of genetically modified (GM) wheat unless the concerns of farmers, consumers, and buyers of Canadian wheat are addressed.

"It is perhaps surprising that such a diverse group would work together like this," said spokesperson Stewart Wells. "But we are here today because we all have one thing in common--we all have concerns regarding the introduction of genetically modified wheat."

The group has submitted a letter detailing its concerns to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien (See attachment). The document is fully supported by more than 210 industry associations, local governments, and citizen groups across Canada. It has also drawn the support of more than 50 Canadian experts and researchers and 60 international organizations.*

Wells said farmers are concerned about agronomic impacts and market loss, while consumers have raised food safety, environmental damage and regulatory adequacy as issues. He said it is time that Ottawa took note.

"The Government of Canada must listen to the concerns of its citizens and act in the best economic interests of farmers," said Wells. "It must halt the approval of genetically modified wheat."

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* A list of signatories to the letter is available by fax (306 789-7774) or email sbrown@apas.ca

For more information, please see the list of contacts on next page.

List of Contacts for the July 31 GM wheat news conference:

Moderator

Stewart Wells (306) 741-7694

National Farmers Union (306) 773-6852

Member Groups

Ivan Ottenbreit (306) 789-7774
Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan

Bradford Duplisea (613) 521-3400
Canadian Health Coalition extension 219

Justin Kohlman (204) 983-3101
Canadian Wheat Board

Holly Penfound (416) 723-9425
Greenpeace Canada

Don Dewar (204) 648-4649
Keystone Agricultural Producers

Fred Tait (204) 252-2773
National Farmers Union

Sinclair Harrison (306) 435-7319
Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities

Marc Loiselle (306) 258-2192
Saskatchewan Organic Directorate

Nadége Adam (613) 295-0432
The Council of Canadians

Attachment to the July 31 GM wheat news release:

July 31, 2001

The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien
Prime Minister of Canada
Langevin Block
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ont.
K1A 0A2

cc: Minister of Health
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board
Minister of the Environment
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Minister of Industry
Canadian Premiers

Dear Prime Minister Chrétien:

Genetically-modified (GM) wheat raises concerns in many sectors, both domestically and abroad. Farmers and grain industry participants are concerned about market loss and risks to Canada's distinguished reputation for quality wheat varieties. In addition, farmers are concerned about agronomic impacts. Consumers are concerned about food safety and regulatory adequacy. Citizens are concerned about environmental damage. Organic farmers are concerned about negative effects on Canada's successful organic sector. Not every organization or individual that has signed this letter shares every one of these concerns. However, for one or more of the preceding reasons we, the undersigned, oppose, until these concerns are dealt with, the introduction of GM wheat into the Canadian food supply and seed supply.

Overwhelming numbers of Canadian farmers and consumers, as well as customers for Canadian wheat overseas, have said that they do not want GM wheat at this time. We hope the Canadian government will act democratically, heed the wishes of its citizens, and act in the best economic interests of farmers.

We represent diverse constituencies and interests, but we are unified in asking that you act immediately to prevent the introduction of GM wheat into Canadian food and fields unless the concerns of Canadian farmers, industry, and consumers are addressed adequately.

Signed:

More than 210 Canadian industry associations, local governments, and citizen groups;

More than 50 Canadian experts and researchers; and

More than 60 international organizations.