1.Dr Brian John on GM soy impact
2.GM-free soy gave boost in production

COMMENT from Dr Brian John: I have tried to tidy up this translation [item 2] a bit more because this Danish article is hugely important, when put together with the other evidence from the USA and elsewhere of direct harm to animals (and reduced productivity) arising from the use of GM soy in animal feed. This is an animal welfare issue, as I have been trying to point out to the boss of Morrisons supermarket!! [see item 1]

TAKE ACTION: Go to Morrisons' Facebook page and let them know what you think:  
http://www.facebook.com/MorrisonsWeLoveFood 
More ideas on how to take action:
www.gmwatch.org/latest-listing/1-news-items/13812
–-
–-
1.Dr Brian John on GM soy impact

David Scott
Head of Policy
Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc
Gain Lane
BRADFORD
BD3 7DL

19th April 2012

Dear Mr Scott,

I note that you have not replied to my recent letter about the Morrisons support for the use of GM soy in animal feed.    I do find that disappointing, since there are some very important issues at stake here.  In my letter I tried to point out to you that this is not just a matter of holding down production costs, and of the poultry and egg producers (and other livestock farmers) seeking to sell into your stores at the lowest possible prices – presumably, as you see it, to the benefit of your customers. There are health and animal welfare issues as well, to which you seem happy to turn a blind eye.

Since I wrote to you, an interesting article has been published in a Danish farming magazine which is read by great numbers of Danish pig farmers using intensive production methods.  I have copied it below.    It describes the appalling effects which GM soy has on the health and productivity of one particular pig herd owned by Mr Ib Borup Pedersen,  and it describes what happened to Mr Pedersen's business when he switched to non-GM soy in the animal feed.  The results were improved animal welfare, better animal health, increased productivity, and increased farm profitability.  I enclose a roughly translated copy for you to see.

What this article reveals is not new.  For many years similar things have been seen on US pig farms, and many authors have highlighted the reduced fertility and actual physical damage to animals raised on diets including a high percentage of GM soy.  Why are you apparently so determined to turn a blind eye to this evidence?  Sadly, I have to conclude that in the eyes of Morrisons Stores these animal health and welfare issues do not matter, and that all you are concerned about is "the bottom line"  – ie cheaper food for consumers, no matter what the cost might be in animal suffering.

For your information, I also enclose a copy of the paper by Dr Michael Antoniou and others on Roundup and Birth Defects, which you might find enlightening.[*]    As you will know, you do not get GM soy into your food supply without getting a dose of Roundup as a bonus.  Speaking as an ordinary consumer, I want neither the one nor the other.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Brian John

[* http://agroecologygroup.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/RoundupandBirthDefectsv5i.pdf ]
–-
–-
2.GMO-free soy gave boost in production
ANNE WOLF BERG
Effiktivt Landbrug (Denmark),  13 April 2012
http://www.effektivtlandbrug.dk/indhold/sider/artikler/vis_artikel.aspx?id=24261

Statement by GMWatch: The translation was removed after the author alerted us to the fact that it was based on an unpublished early draft of her article. The link above is to the final published version of the article, which is in Danish.