(Winnipeg) - A diverse group of organizations has joined forces to oppose the introduction of genetically modified (GM) wheat in Canada.

The National Farmers Union (NFU), Manitoba's Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate (SOD), the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), Greenpeace Canada, The Council of Canadians, and the Canadian Health Coalition want the federal government to halt the approval of genetically modified (GM) wheat unless the concerns of farmers, consumers, and buyers of Canadian wheat are addressed.

"It is perhaps surprising that such a diverse group would work together like this," said spokesperson Stewart Wells. "But we are here today because we all have one thing in common-we all have concerns regarding the introduction of genetically modified wheat."

The group has submitted a letter detailing its concerns to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien (See attachment). The document is fully supported by more than 210 industry associations, local governments, and citizen groups across Canada. It has also drawn the support of more than 50 Canadian experts and researchers and 60 international organizations.

Wells said farmers are concerned about agronomic impacts and market loss, while consumers have raised food safety, environmental damage and regulatory adequacy as issues. He said it is time that Ottawa took note.

Wells said farmers are concerned about agronomic impacts and market loss, while consumers have raised food safety, environmental damage and regulatory adequacy as issues. He said it is time that Ottawa took note.

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For more information, please see the list of contacts below:

List of Contacts for the July 31 GM wheat news conference:

Moderator

Stewart Wells (306) 741-7694
National Farmers Union (306) 773-6852

Member Groups

Ivan Ottenbreit (306) 789-7774
Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan

Bradford Duplisea (613) 521-3400
Canadian Health Coalition extension 219

Justin Kohlman (204) 983-3101
Canadian Wheat Board

Holly Penfound (416) 723-9425
Greenpeace Canada

Don Dewar (204) 648-4649
Keystone Agricultural Producers

Fred Tait (204) 252-2773
National Farmers Union

Sinclair Harrison (306) 435-7319
Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities

Marc Loiselle (306) 258-2192
Saskatchewan Organic Directorate

Nadége Adam (613) 295-0432
The Council of Canadians