The Assembly of Marshals of the Polish Provinces is the opinion-making and advisory body representing the interests of all provinces (Poland is divided into 16 provinces).
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POLISH MARSHALS WANT GMO FREE POLAND
On the 9th of September 2005 the Assembly of Marshals of the Polish Provinces (*) accepted a statement concerning the planting of genetically modified plants (GMO) in Poland.
In this statement the Assembly of Marshals of the Polish Provinces has, among other things, agreed that:
(...) approval for cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can damage the public image of the Polish countryside which nowadays is considered as the source of healthy, ecological and high quality food (...)
(...) man will never be able to have total control over the biology of life and therefore cannot ensure that the uncontrolled release of GMO's will not happen.
It has to be underlined that the goal of providing genetically modified organisms is to increase the efficiency in farming. The main problem, however, for farmers in Poland as well as in other EU countries, is not to raise efficiency but to be able to sell their produce on the present market (...)
(...) it is necessary to take action for the preservation of the environment and for crop protection against the introduction of genetically modified plants that could cause irreversible change (...)
(...) in accordance with the statements of consumers, who seek safe and healthy agricultural products, it is necessary to support production of food using environmentally friendly methods (...)
(...) the big number of protests by local governments in 13 provinces in Poland, as well as other European regions, haven't been taken into account by European Union authorities. The European law (Directive 2001/18, 2002/53) benefits the producers of genetically modified seeds, or is interpreted as doing so (...)
The Assembly of Marshals of the Polish Provinces concluded that it is necessary that:
a) The Polish Government should prepare a motion to the European Commission to ban the import of genetically modified products in all areas of the country,
b) this problem is introduced through the Polish MEPs for debate in the EP in order to achieve a ruling which will allow all EU countries to make their own decisions in this very important matter (...)
(*) The Assembly of Marshals of the Polish Provinces is the opinion-making and advisory body representing the interest of all provinces (Poland is divided for 16 provinces). The Assembly has been holding regular meetings analyzing propositions for changes in the governments' acts and other regulations as well as discussing the problems of provinces. Each meeting is concluded with common statements that must be accepted by all Marshals.
Whole statement (in Polish): http://icppc.pl/pl/gmo/index.php?id=129
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International Coalition to Protect the Polish Countryside (ICPPC), 34-146 Stryszow 156, Poland tel./fax +48 33 8797114 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.icppc.pl www.eko-cel.pl
www.gmo.icppc.pl,http://www.icppc.pl/pl/gmo/eng_index.php
In April 2002, ICPPC was awarded the Goldman Prize - Ecological Nobel. In June 2002, ICPPC's headquarters, were visited by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.