Scotland: Activists Cast Vote in GM Field
Submitted by Chuck0:Direct Activists Cast Vote in GM Field at Munlochy
June 7, 2001
The first votes of election day were cast not in a ballot box, but in a
field of Genetically Manipulated (GM) Oilseed Rape.
In the early hours of Election Day, campaigners cut an 'X' shaped swathe
through the controversial GM crop currently growing at Munlochy on the
Black Isle, Inverness.
The GM trial has been vociferously opposed by the local community from
the start.
"Non-violent direct action against this crop is an inevitable
consequence of the Government ignoring local democracy. These
individuals are voicing the concerns
of countless other citizens in the Black Isle and all over Scotland"
said Matthew Herbert, a campaigner for Scottish Genetix Action.
"People have very real and reasonable fears about the effects of GM on
the environment, Scottish biodiversity, and, of course, on human
health. The
Government has ignored these arguments and sided with transnational
corporations, who are only out to make big bucks, over the interests of
their people."
One of the campaigners responsible for the action said: "Our action
sends a clear message that GM is not welcome in Scotland - nor are any
politicians or
companies who support it."
"If they won't keep Scotland GM Free, it falls to the people to do it.
We hope many others realise that they have to take action and build real
democracy where
the government has failed them. We chose to vote today for a GM free
future for Scotland."
Local organic farmer Donnie Macleod said, "Those people that carried out
this action are simply echoing the opinion of the vast majority of the
local community. I
hope this means that no more fields of contamination are planted in the
Highlands."
For more information contact:
Donnie Macleod: 07747 896878
