VPIRG Press Conference

VPIRG will be releasing a new report, "The GMO Threat to VermontＴ Organic
Future" on Thursday at 2 pm at the statehouse. We need about 1 dozen people
in red for the press conference. If you live close by and can make it,
please do. Let us know if you're coming by emailing amybeth@together.net or
calling the Rural Vermont office at 802-223-7222.

Over the past ten years, soaring consumer demand for organic food has
propelled a vibrant, rapidly expanding organic sector of VermontＴ farm
economy. At the same time, present and future use of genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) across the planet poses a serious challenge to the survival
of VermontＴ thriving organic farm community. GMO contamination of
organically grown corn through windborne cross pollination has already been
found in Vermont. Passing laws that establish strict liability for harm
caused by GMOs to organic and non-GMO conventional farmers is an essential
first step to protecting VermontＴ premiere growth industry. Most
importantly, a moratorium on the planting of all GMO crops is essential to
allow policy makers time to fully consider the ecological, economic and
human health impacts of GMOs. The report, authored by VPIRG, examines growth
trends in VermontＴ organic sector, growing national and international
markets for organic produce, and recommends policy options and strategic
investments by the State of Vermont to further strengthen organic farming.

Details:
Vermont State House Cedar Creek Room (2nd floor, the room with the big
painting)
Thursday, January 27 2:00 PM
Wear Red
If you're coming, call your House Representative ahead of time and tell
them, and ask them to be at the press conference, too! You can leave a
message for your Rep Tuesday-Friday at 828-2228. Be sure to say you need a
call back and leave your name and telephone number. Then, when they call you
back, tell them about the press conference, and ask them to attend. Tell
them you'll be there, and you hope to see them, too!