Stopping GE crops
From: Peoples Moratorium Enforcement Agency (PMEA)
Anti-GE activists converged on Christchurch for direct action training in stopping genetically engineered crops and
food contamination.
In the day long workshop activists learnt to use tripods, lockboxes and how to conduct blockades and decontaminate GE
crops. ‘These are the tools that have been effective in ridding the UK of genetically modified crops and food products.
If the government isn’t willing to protect our GE Free status, then we will do it ourselves. New Zealanders don’t want
it, and we are willing to face the consequences of our actions because the future of our beautiful country, and our
economy are at stake. The people are behind us,’ said PMEA spokeswoman Lenka Rochford.
‘The New Zealand government has failed us, and soon there will be genetically modified onions planted at Lincoln. This
is despite the worldwide rejection of GE technology.’
An activist from the UK instructed a group of about 30 people in techniques to safely dispose of contaminated plant
material. ‘It wasn’t the British government that protected the citizens from genetic contamination, it was the people
who ripped out the crops and blockaded grocery stores that carried genetically engineered food products. We aim to do
the same here’ said Rochford
The workshops were held as part of the GE Free Direct Action Roadshow, which is travelling the length, and breadth of
the country, canvassing communities to take back the power in order to keep NZ a GE Free place. The Roadshow heads to
Blenheim for days of action on August 7 and 8.