------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the FRIDAY BALCAO Read the Balcao Synopsis on the website http://www.goadesc.org/balcao/ -------------------------------------------------------
Dear Cybergaokars on GoaNet,
Friday Balcao the fortnightly discussion event to be held on 18th March will focus on the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), a consumer concern.
Consumers organisations worldwide are campaigning to stop the spread of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). From as far and wide as Lebanon to Switzerland, Thailand to the UK, they are demanding that GM-free crops are protected, GM products are labelled, and international safety standards are followed. Consumers International (CI) member organisations campaigned on this issue in the past and it remains at the top of the consumer agenda.
Public opinion polls show that consumers are concerned about GM foods because of potential risks to human health. GM technology involves transferring genes between unrelated species which is completely different from existing conventional breeding techniques and has yet to be proven safe. Other major concerns are increased control of the food chain by corporations, and misleading claims about solving food supply problems and about the benefits of GMOs to farmers.
Consumers have a right to information, a right to choice and a right to safety and these rights need to be respected. There must be guarantees that conventional and organic foods survive and remain widely available. GM-free areas need to be established and secured and strict rules introduced to prevent contamination of GM-free crops. All foods containing or derived from GMOs be independently tested and subject to international safety guidelines as well as be clearly labelled.
What impact will the GMOs have on consumers in India ? How can consumers ensure that foods containing or derived from GMOs are tested and labelled correctly ? What is the awareness among the supermarket owners and shoppers in Goa ? What is the awareness & response of foreign tourists in Goa to the issue ? What steps need to be taken to create awareness among different segments of consumers on the issue of GMOs ?
The Balcao discussion will cover these questions and also evolve an agenda for action by citizens on the issue.
Friday Balcao will be from 4pm to 6pm at the Goa Desc Resource Centre No.11 Liberty Apartments Feira Alta, Mapusa and is open to members of the public.
Those citizens who would like to receive the regular invitation to Friday Balcao and a one page synopsis of the fortnightly session can subscribe for the same by sending Rs.100/- to cover printing and mailing costs.
Interested citizens wanting more information on Friday Balcao can phone on 2252660 or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
best wishes,
Roland Martins ======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
