By Arran Stephens, Nature’s Path Foods
Dear President Obama,
As a Canadian citizen, as an idealist, as the CEO of North America’s largest organic breakfast foods company, independent, strong and family owned—with plants in Wisconsin, Washington and BC employing hundreds of wonderful team members, I want to let you know that when my family and i witnessed your election and your promise of a new, enlightened leadership of the United States and an example to the rest of the world, i was thrilled and moved to tears. I was ready to work on your campaign, if that would have been possible.
When Mr. Vilsack was appointed as the Secretary to the USDA, i was concerned about his past ties to Monsanto and the biotech industry. On the other hand, i was thrilled to learn of your wife, Michelle’s move to plant an organic garden in the White House lawn.
Now that the USDA has given unrestricted approval to propagate genetically engineered alfalfa, i was so disappointed in the USDA, and to you, sir. You have let the world down by this careless decision.
i want to register my objection in the strongest possible manner. I want to see a repeal!
I am outraged that despite a critical opportunity to protect the nation’s consumers and farmers, your Administration instead decided to allow GE crops to continue to proliferate unchecked in the marketplace.
This damaging decision, under your leadership, to permit commercial planting of Monsanto’s genetically engineered Roundup Ready alfalfa was made at the expense of agricultural diversity, farmer livelihoods, and my ability to choose.
The government’s own Environmental Impact Statement for GE Alfalfa revealed that the crop will increase the use of toxic weed killers. There is no justification for ignoring science that shows that genetic engineering results in the increased use of toxic and persistent pesticides, leads to the growth of superweeds, and puts food security at risk.
Since GE is not currently labeled or tracked in our food supply, it is impossible to conduct long-term studies on the link between GE and human health problems.
Mr. President, please do the right thing; take corrective action; repeal this unfortunate ruling. Do not allow it to adversely affect the independent farm families of America.
Your otherwise admiring supporter,
Sincerely,
Arran Stephens
CEO / Gardenkeeper
NATURE’S PATH FOODS
9100 Van Horne Way / Richmond / BC / V6X 1W3
FOR 3 GENERATIONS / ALWAYS ORGANIC
http://www.naturespath.com
