Canadian Organic Growers Biotechnology Statement
In Praise of Earthworms (Hamilton Spectator, Feb 27, 2003)
Negative
Effects of Pesticides - Anecdotal Evidence
1.
Karl Eden: Presentation on Cosmetic Lawn Care to City of Burlington
2. Sheila Brown: Presentation on
Cosmetic Lawn Care to City of Hamilton
3. Sheila Russell, Dundas: Chemicals
in the Urban Environment
4. Alecia Freeman, Kitcheneer-Waterloo
Record: Letter to the Editor, June 14, 2002
Canadian
Organic Growers Biotechnology Statement
Canadian Organic Growers endorses and promotes agricultural practices
which are integrated with the larger ecosystem. Organic agriculture conserves
genetic diversity, ensures long-term soil life and fertility and reduces
pollution. Major benefits for organic agriculture include positive impacts
on the environment and regional self-reliance in the production of high
quality food.
In our view, genetic engineering (GE) is a short-term, ill conceived and over simplified approach to agriculture. Increasing evidence shows that GE plants, seeds, pollen, microbes and DNA threaten the natural complexity on which organic agriculture, and the food system itself, is based. We are also concerned with potential long-term hazards of the introductions of GE into the food chain, and feel that inadequate research has been done on the effects of GE on the environment and on humans.
COG believes that GE contradicts the tenets of organic growing and is detrimental to environmental stability and food quality.