uncle tom

Description

Here is the schedule for our Rally Saturday morning 25th May-many thanks to all the speakers for stepping up and offering to talk at the Rally-it's fantastic to have a great variety of speakers to inform and share experiences that will strengthen local knowledge and understanding of these issues, as well as provide content for mainstream media and independent filmmakers to broadcast and join in the global awareness and grass-roots movement. 9am-Introduction and Rundown on events by Marguerite Montes Welcome to Country by Uncle Tom (Possible smoking ceremony) Speaker-Kev Doye, co-owner Kombu wholefoods, local food activist here andin UK Poem by Elizabeth Routledge 9.45 - Singing with Marguerite Montes & Audience participation Speaker- Susan Weill-local food producer from The Funny Farm andBellopy Organic Markets " Jester, bee keeper from Northbank Community Garden Drumming circle-Luke Rhodes and friends 10.15 - Speaker-Catherine Jones-environmental activist from the Bellingen Environment Centre " - Carol Vernon-Greens candidate for Cowper & Seed Savers " - Mary-Ellen Peters-environmental activist 10.45 - Music from Luke Wilton Speaker - Laurie Cork-beekeeper Bellingen Honey " - Dominic King-Greens Councillor Bellingen Shire Council 11.15 - Speaker - Nick Rose-researcher and activist for the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance and Food Connect and is part of the team for The People's Food Plan. " - Gary Fry-from OzGreen who develop sustainable projects in Australia and o/s 11.45 - Music from Matt Montez, visiting from the UK. These events will be interspersed by chanting and banner waving, especially when tv cameras appear :) there will be a petition to sign and tables for relevant community project printed information to be disseminated so please bring anything you have you would like to share as well as friends and family of course. Also BYO food and drinks and rug to have a picnic. See you all there! (or in case of rain-The Memorial Hall across the road) Parking available at the Showgrounds where the Organic Growers Markets will be happening so shop and eat first then join the Rally :) Remember this is a peaceful Demonstration, please do not bring any alcohol and make sure you take your litter with you. We are the change. There is to be a worldwide demonstration against the insane greed of MONSANTO...Lets get together and add our voice to put a stop to this systematic destruction of our food source. [Description] The fight for our food!! We will gather outside the Bellingen Council Chambers at the park Maam Gaduying, (meeting place). In case of bad weather we will meet at the Bellingen Memorial Hall across from the Naam Gaduying Park. Tell your friend...tell every body... Reasons why we gather: Environmental Risks -- There has been inadequate testing of the effect that GM crops can have on the other species due to crossing of genes between kingdoms. Basically, GM crops can contaminate the ecology. If that happens the product cannot be recalled. Health Risks -- There is still uncertainty regarding the safety of GM foods and consumers are cautious about eating them. The Australian regulatory framework (OGTR and FSANZ) does not do independent health testing instead they rely on the GM industry to provide information regarding the effects on health. This is a major conflict of interests. Farmers Misled -- The benefits fail to live up to what's promised for example GM canola has been performing below average. Coexistence Impossible -- Non-GM farmers are expected to prevent GM contamination, otherwise they run the risk of being sued for growing a patented crop and/or breaking contractual agreements if crops are contaminated. Marketing -- Many export and domestic markets don't want to buy GM or GM contaminated crops. Farmers have a right and responsibility to provide non-GM crops. Furthermore, costs to supply the non-GM market are higher than GM partly due to management and testing against contamination....