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On Fri, 20 Jun 2003 11:21:21 +0200 "Philip Owen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> > http://ens-news.com > U.S. Policing of Biotech Crops Denounced [SNIP] > Biotechnology is expected to be a major theme when world agricultural
> ministers meet next week at the Ministerial Conference and Expo on > Agricultural Science and Technology in Sacramento, California. ________________________ For those BDNow readers keen on this issue, I would like to announce that an international coalition of individuals and organizations committed to sustainable agriculture through the practice of Biodynamic� farming has mustered in order to register the Demeter Association as an official Exhibitor at the Ministerial EXPO on Agricultural Science and Technology. Along with the Ecological Farming Association, Demeter will thus be one of only two strong voices for ecological agriculture among the 36 EXPO Exhibitors. We will be presenting positive scientific research and showcasing successful Biodynamic operations from all over the world, such as the Sekem initiative in Egypt (www.sekem.com). Our message: Biodynamic agriculture is a viable alternative to the "industrial agriculture" that the powers that be are trying to convince government ministers and representatives will be the salvation of their country, and that this option is culturally, socially, and technologically more beneficial to the long-term sustainability of the land, people, and economy of the country they serve. Always working with natural life processes, Biodynamic agriculture is in a true sense a proven "BIO-technology," conducive to the sort of diversified farming and local economic development needed for sustainable communities interested in self-sufficiency and food security. The Biodynamic movement pioneered food certification, initiated Community Supported Agriculture, and continues to generate unique social and economic developments. As a reader of BDNow, I am well aware of past criticism of Demeter certification in this forum. But the reality is that the Demeter label does certify some 3,000 producers in 35 countries and is instrumental for the spread of Biodynamic agriculture in the world. I make this announcement and appeal for financial and moral support in the spirit of the broadest possible support for Biodynamic agriculture. I hope not to generate a flurry of criticism off the (trade)mark. Rather I hope to appeal to everyone’s good will for Biodynamic agriculture. It has been a largely volunteer effort, in cooperation with the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association and the Demeter Association, to capture this singular opportunity to introduce Ministers of Agriculture, Trade, and Environment to the promise of Biodynamic agriculture. We intend to continue fundraising to enhance Demeter’s capacity to meet such opportunities in the future. Producers have supplied display products and donations up to $500. We have received donations from individuals ranging from $20 to $200. If you feel moved to support this initiative financially, please mark checks "For EXPO" and send to the BDA, serving as our fiscal agent, at their new address: Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association, 25844 Butler Road, Junction City OR 97448. Funds collected beyond the expenses for this event will be held in a separate account to be used for similar purposes in the future. If you have further questions (or moral support), please feel free to direct
them to me, rather than to clutter the
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