(OTTAWA) The call by the president of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) for a moratorium on new Genetically Engineered (GE) crops, has the support of a major citizens' group. The news comes as consumers demonstrate today, across Canada, to voice their concerns about GE foods. Earlier this week, the country's largest exporter of corn called on farmers to plant GE free crops.

"The whole plot is coming unraveled for those who are trying to push GE foods down our throats," said Jennifer Story, Health Protection campaigner for The Council of Canadians. "The Canadian Wheat Board is taking a responsible and appropriate position in response to consumer concerns about GE foods. Consumers are alarmed because there has been no adequate testing for health and safety."

In Canada, and around the world, consumers are rejecting GE foods. Canada has seen Canola, Soy and Corn export markets in Europe crumble because of GE crops grown here. "There is a simple solution to the loss of these markets," said Story. "Stop growing GE crops."

At present, no GE wheat is grown in Canada. Monsanto, however, has spent millions of dollars developing GE wheat that could reach the market in three or four years. "It would be virtually impossible to sell premium GE wheat to anywhere but the US," said Story. "In the midst of the biggest crisis in farm income since the depression, GE crops are bad news for farmers."

The Council of Canadians, Canada's largest public interest group, is calling on Loblaws President Galen Weston to make his stores GE free. Actions are taking place outside grocery stores today right across the country, including: St John's, Charlottetown, Fredericton, Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Salmon Arm, Richmond and Vancouver. At present 60-75% of prepackaged foods in Canada contain GE food.