At 12 noon on Saturday 24th March protesters from Brighton and villages in the Wealden district will process through Hailsham in protest against the East Hoathly GM crop trial site. They will be joined by Peter Lundgren, a farmer who was successful in terminating a neighbouring GM crop trial in Lincolnshire.  This week farmers from across the country have written to the Government calling for the nation wide postponement of the GM crop trials - Peter Lundgren is one of these farmers.  He will be a speaker at a Public Meeting at 1 pm which will take place immediately after the  procession.

They will also be joined by Dr. Ricarda Steinbrecher, a genetic scientist from Brighton who advises delegates at United Nations conventions and negotiations. The protesters will be wearing costumes, carrying placards and banners, and will distribute information leaflets as they process  along the High Street.  The procession will finish at Hailsham Community Hall where they will hold a public meeting beginning at 1.00 pm.  Peter  Lundgren will speak about GM crops threatening to seal what is looking like the fated demise of farming in the UK.  Dr. Ricarda Steinbrecher will speak about the risks of GM crops to the environment and our health and the dangers of applying this technology before scientists can be sure it is safe. Helena Paul, Chair of the national Five Year FREEZE Campaign against GM crops, will speak about why GM crops cannot feed the world.

Peter Lundgren said "Many farmers are angry about the GM trials.  If farming is to continue we have to start talking with the public and responding to what they want."

ENDS

Interviews:  Peter Lundgren, farmer, and Dr. Ricarda Steinbrecher, genetic scientist, and Helena Paul will be available for interview before and  after the procession and public meeting.

Picture Editor:  Stills will be available from Rowan Tilly 01273 628441 or 0780 105 5657  

Press contact Rowan Tilly 01273 628441 or on site mobile: 0780 105 5657
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Easter Picnic: A Rally against GM crops with speakers and live music
Harbury,  Warwickshire (where there is a 6 ha farmscale trial of Oil Seed Rape)
Sunday 15th April 2pm
For more details contact: 01926 832650
http://freespace.virgin.net/harbury.picnic
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April 17: International Day of Farmer's Struggle Against GMOs and Patents on Life