MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2004
1 million Japanese say no to GE wheat!
What: Representatives from Japanese consumer and industry groups and the Council of Canadians will hold a press conference to declare that Japanese consumers will not buy wheat from Canada if we allow the introduction of GE wheat.
Japan is one of Canada’s largest wheat customer. The Japanese groups will announce their intention to present a petition, representing 400,000 Japanese consumers, to Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Bob Speller.
The petition calls for a ban on GE wheat in Canada.The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is currently reviewing an application from Monsanto for the Canadian release of their Roundup Ready wheat.
Canadian consumers, farmers, and food industry representatives have expressed grave concerns over the potential impact of a government approval of the controversial GE wheat.
Now foreign customers are joining the increasingly large group of dissenters, calling on Canada to deny Monsanto’s application.
Who: Speakers:
- Nadège Adam, Council of Canadians;
- Keisuke Amagasa, No! GMO campaign
- Masako Koga, Consumers Union of Japan
Present/Available for comment:
- Takafumi Maekawa, Daichi-Wo-Mamoru-Kai
- Etsuko Kondo, Seikatsu Club Consumers Co-operative Union
- Ryoko Shimizu, Seikatsu Club Consumer Co-operative Union
- Antony Boys, Wako University
When: Monday, March 22, 2004 10:00AM
Where: Place Louis Riel Hotel
190 Smith Street
Hudson Room
Winnipeg, Manitoba
-30-
