Resistance Is Fertile

Now that Spring is in the air, the first shoots of a truly global campaign against Genetic Engineering are bursting forth as campaigners around the world unite to prevent the Biotechnology companies from enslaving the earth’s resources for their own ends. 'Resistance is Fertile', a Global Week of Action, sowed seeds for a future which doesn’t involve the patenting and genetic engineering of the species of the world. Instead campaigners celebrated the diversity of food and life on this planet.

Many different types of event took place, a selection of which are below. More can be found at www.resistanceisfertile.org

Crops A Flop Party

The sun shone at Gaddesden Row, Hemel Hempstead on Sunday, but too late to revive the genetically modified crops which have faded away. More than 100 people from as far away as Devon came to celebrate the failure of farmer Fiddaman’s winter oilseed rape to flower. Speeches, jugglers and music kept party goers entertained before everyone embarked on a mass march around the fields. A decision had been made by the local group to not decontaminate the site but to ask the Government to terminate this farcical trial. It was a great day for activists from far and wide to get together and see the site. Another rally will be held in June at the site so watch this space... Contact 0468 337054 MartinHumphrey@compuserve.com

Community Garden Planted Opposite Welsh Assembly

After the Assembly's decision to allow GM crops to be planted in Wales, an organic garden was planted opposite the Assembly in support of a GM free Welsh environment. Campaigners planted rare seed varieties, organic vegetables, wild flowers, trees and herbs and then enjoyed an organic picnic next to the garden.

Patent Action

5 campaigners visited the UK Patent Office, Newport, Wales. They made their presence felt inside the building, with giant papier-mache patented vegetables and animals and a large banner. This resulted in a two hour meeting with the Policy Advisor to the Chief Executive and Public Relations advisors.

Greenpeace Cleared

28 Greenpeace activists have been found not guilty of theft after a trial where they admitted destroying a GM crop in Norfolk, last July. It was cut down and sealed in bags to prevent contamination of the environment. The Jury failed to reach a verdict an whether the activists had caused criminal damage to the plants or not, so there may be a retrial.