‘Say NO to Terminator seeds’.
Livesimply, sustainably, in solidarity—combine prayer with practical action.
What are ‘Terminator seeds’?
Terminator seeds are genetically modified by big seed companies to become sterile after the first planting. Thus the 1.4 billion farmers who routinely save seeds from one harvest to replant for the next crop will be unable to do so. Many farmers in poor countries don’t want to or can’t afford to, buy seeds each year. Instead they save, swap and share seeds that they have been developing over generations to thrive in local soils and climates. Terminator technology could spell the end of locally adapted agriculture and diminish the range of local and native seeds that are fundamental to local food systems. It will force farmers to buy new seeds every year, making them poorer—and the big seed companies richer. This is not true progress, as it only benefits the rich and takes control of meeting their own food needs out of farmers’ hands. Although Terminator seeds are not yet being sold, there is presently a ban on their use, biotech companies are conducting greenhouse tests for future commercialisation. Whether the ban is maintained is to be debated by the UN Convention on Biodiversity next May.
Seeds are a gift from God as part of his creation. Seeds are a sign of life, fertility and growth.
Then God said, “I give you every seed bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food” (Genesis 1:29)
Terminator seeds, that are genetically modified to become sterile are a contradiction to basic Christian values.
Blessed are you, O God, Creator
You who have made all things good
and given the earth for us to cherish
Help us to use creation gratefully,
to share the gifts of the world fairly,
to be seed of life
to be food for the world.
AMEN
(Progressio)
"If modern farming techniques do not reconcile themselves with the simple language of nature in a healthy balance, the life of man will run ever greater risks, of which we are already seeing worrying signs” John Paul 11
“Created things belong not to the few, but to the entire human family” US Catholic Bishops
“We must pledge ourselves to take care of creation and to share its resources in solidarity”. Pope Benedict.
“The fruits of the earth were given to feed all without distinction and nobody can claim any particular rights”. St Ambrose
"To design sterile seeds turns life, which is a gift from God, into a commodity. Preventing farmers from re-planting saved seeds will increase economic injustice...and add to the burdens of those already living in hardship” Rev. S Kobia, World Council of Churches
What can YOU do?
Support Progressio’s ‘Say no to Terminator seeds’ campaign, part of the livesimply initiative.
Progressio (the working name of the Catholic Institute for International Relations) is an international development agency that combines gospel and Catholic social teaching with development and human rights thinking, to tackle poverty and injustice in developing countries
Write to your MP asking them to maintain and strengthen the current ban on Terminator Technology.
For more information contact: Progressio, Unit 3, Canonbury Yard, 190a, New North Rd., London, N1 7BJ or go to:
www.progressio.org.uk and www.seedsaver.org.uk
Sent by Pat O'Connor
7/2/08