SOD - A Case for Justice

SOD - A Case for Justice

Postby Oscar » Tue Jan 09, 2007 2:31 pm

Saskatchewan Organic Directorate
Box 3, Elrose, Saskatchewan S0L 0Z0
Email: faye.doug@sasktel.net
www.saskorganic.com

January 8, 2007

To the Editor,

In the media and at a Saskatchewan Court of Appeal hearing December 11, 2006, representatives of Monsanto and Bayer CropScience variously accused the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate (SOD) of "...using this lawsuit inappropriately to advance their anti-GMO position.", provoking public debate, and "...trying to use the courts to put forth a socio-political position ...". They have also insinuated that the plaintiffs are just figureheads, and SOD is being used to advance the cause of certain environmental groups.

On the contrary, SOD is a provincial organic farmer's representative organization, and the real story is about fairness and the five year struggle of these farmers to get their day in court to plead their case for justice. This appeal hearing was another step in the class action lawsuit to make Monsanto and Bayer accountable for the damages done by their genetically modified canola varieties.

This case is simply about certified organic farmers attempting to protect their livelihood. Organics is consumer driven, and organic farmers have a historic and prior practice of supplying the GMO-free food the organic market demands. This tradition of growing and eating GMO free crops has roots extending back to the dawn of agriculture, but in Saskatchewan this customary right has been damaged and continues to be damaged by the recent entry of bio-tech companies' genetic material into canola. For this damage, organic farmers want compensation. And they want the damage to halt.

SOD and its Organic Agriculture Protection Fund, is resolute in its support of the province's organic farmers. But let's be clear; it is organic farmers (through SOD), who are primarily funding this pivotal lawsuit. They know, fundamentally it is their living that is on the line.

Sincerely,

Doug Bone,
President,
SOD
306-574-4323
Oscar
Site Admin
 
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