The Global GMO Free Coalition (GGFC), with over 60 partner organizations, launched today as the first globally coordinated network to take on the genetically modified food and crop industry head on in both the media and in public and government advocacy areas.

The aim of the coalition is to cut through Biotech industry propaganda and to provide independent information that leads to responsible actions from food regulatory bodies in countries worldwide. Henry Rowlands, the Global GMO Free Coalition Coordinator, said:

"The problem with GMOs and their associated pesticides is that they were never independently tested before being released into the environment. Consumers and independent scientists are seriously concerned about the possible harm they are doing to both the environment and human health."

A global problem needs a global solution

Coalition partners are from countries around the world, including the US, UK, Russia, Iran, Chile, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, New Caledonia, Ghana, Georgia and Ireland.

It will provide journalists and governments worldwide with a serious and well-respected source of independent information, and coordinate expert speakers to attend public and private events around the world.

"This is a global issue that deserves a global approach", explained Rowlands. "The GMO industry is attempting to take over the world's food supply with untested, harmful products and we will not let this happen. We invite more organizations from around the world to join us."

Iván Santandreu, Co-Founder of Chile sin Transgénicos, added: "In a globalized world it's important to address this important issue from a global perspective, it's important to join efforts from every country in the world; together we will make a difference."

The vicious cycle of toxicity

Katherine Paul, Associate Director of the US-based Organic Consumers Association, said: "Weeds and insects eventually evolve to become tolerant of chemicals like glyphosate and 2,4-D, leading to a perpetual, and unsustainable, cycle of super weeds, super bugs and the need for a dizzying array of increasingly toxic chemicals to control them."

"Those toxins are harmful to all living things, including humans. All the current research points to the need to return to a system built around diverse food crops, adapted for local growing conditions, and grown without the use of chemical inputs."

Diana Reeves, Founder, GMO Free USA, added: "We have come together to bring truth and transparency to the media and refute industry-funded pseudo-science and propaganda. The development of global protocols and standards for long-term safety testing of genetically engineered organisms and the associated chemicals is a must.

"Due to the lack of regulation and independent safety testing, genetically engineered organisms are putting our children and our world at risk."

Russia leads the way to GMO-free future

Last week a draft law was introduced to the Russian Parliament that would allow the criminal prosecution of producers of GMOs that are harmful to health or the environment.

Kirill Cherkasov, member of the State Duma Agriculture Committee and a co-author of the Bill, told RT: "When a terrorist act is committed, only several people are usually hurt. But GMOs may hurt dozens and hundreds. The consequences are much worse. And punishment should be proportionate to the crime."

When Russia joined the WTO it gave the green light to the import of GMOs and the planting of GM seeds. But last month, reported RT, "Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced that his cabinet will postpone the beginning of certification of GMO plants for growth in Russia due to lack of proper infrastructure needed to test their safety."

A responsibility to the world

Elena Sharoykina, Director of the National Association for Genetic Safety in Russia, also a member of the GGFC, commented:

"Russia is the largest country in the world, a country with a unique geographical landscape and biodiversity. We realize our responsibility to the world in preserving the purity and fertility of the land, because of the fact that it is a unique source of genetic resources for the whole world.

"Therefore, we believe that Russia can and must retain the status of a global environmental donor and prevent the cultivation of GMOs. I'm absolutely sure that participation in the GGFC will help achieve these goals."

Global GMO Free Coalition website: www.gmofreeglobal.org/