Japanese pumpkin    JAPAN ORGANIC AGRICULTURE ASSOCIATION
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The 32nd Annual Meeting of Japan Organic Agriculture Association in Ehime ( 14, Feb, 2004 )
The Japan Organic Agriculture Association adopted the appeal and the spcial resolution in 32nd Annual Meeting in Ehime.

 The Appeal in 32nd Annual Meeting

  May wholesome life for thousands of years be passed down to future generations!

  We who value nature and life have gathered in Imabari, Ehime. Here we can look out at over the beauty of Mount Ishiuchi and the Setouchi island strait. Here we have learned and discussed about halting the production of genetically engineered crops and the importance of school lunches and food education. We have decided to act in the following manner:

  The decline of agriculture has destroyed farming villages, sickened mankind, and endangered our lives. In order to change the agricultural structure we must not simply fight against the economic power of the large scale farmers abroad, but we must transform the present conditions of agriculture: from an agriculture that values economic growth to one that respects life, the existence of all living being, and sustainability. This means that we must expand organic agriculture. We hereby appeal to the whole country the following issues as our platform for change. May wholesome life for thousands of years be passed down to future generations!

  One, we shall protect and steward our forests and natural environment so that they can be healthy and passed down to future generations, even for a thousand years or more. We do not need GMOs!

  Second, we disagree with the use of genetically modified crops, artificially engineering genes for the purpose of profits and economic gain, producing crops by disregarding normal breeding mechanisms, and expanding cross-breeding pollution in the natural world. In order to abolish GM crops, we shall think globally, strengthen the enactment of regulations which will prohibit the production of GM crops at a local level, and develop an anti-GMO buying movement.

  Third, in order to stop the spread of dangers caused by the globalization of food, represented in BSE, hoof and mouth disease, and chicken influenza, we shall promote seed saving methods and raise organic transplants of particular breeds, which we will protect, grow and pass down. We shall also promote the local consumption and local production of organically grown food as "Chisan-chisyou" states. Let's expand organic agriculture!!

  Fourth, so that we may pass on a healthy environment to future generations and improve that food literacy of our children, we shall promote food education programs based on organic agriculture principles, and work to integrate organic agricultural produce into school lunch programs. Thus, we oppose the privatization of school lunch programs which aim to pursue economic efficiency.

  Fifth, we treasure our communities and their agriculture; therefore, we will promote organic agriculture at the community level, and plan to improve food safety and security as well as food self-sufficiency at the community level. We will do this by developing cooperatives and community supported agriculture.

  This is what we appeal to the people who are in the field of agriculture and food, those who consume food, and all of our friends who treasure nature and life.

  February 14, 2004

  The 32nd Annual Japan Organic Agriculture Association Meeting in Ehime
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 The Special Resolution in 32nd Annual Meeting


  Let's stop the growth of genetically engineered crops in Japan!!

  Prior to the enforcement of the Japanese law related to the Cartegena Biosafety Protocol, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), announced a guiding plan for the outdoor experimental production of genetically engineered (GMO) crops. This guiding plan allows for the planting of GMOs so long as there is a 'buffer' between them and conventionally grown crops: 10 meters for soybean production, 20 meters for rice, and 600 meters for corn and canola. However, we feel that just simply establishing such distance will not prevent "genetic pollution" or contamination caused by cross-pollenization ("pollen drift") or commingling. This is due to the fact that the mechanisms within nature are not so simple. In the United States and Canada, genetic pollution caused by GMO crops has spread to the degree that it cannot be taken back. Whether for experimental or practical use, we oppose the outdoor production of genetically engineered crops.

  In nature's bounty, diverse crops and specialized breeds have been produced over thousands of years. We feel that we do not need genetically engineered breeds and we do not condone these destructive farming methods that prioritize benefit and efficiency, such as those which allow for the increased application of herbicides or self-produce the toxicity of insecticides. Furthermore, we feel that patent holding firms should not be permitted to sow such seeds due to their propensity for controlling and tyrannical acts over farmers, farming practice and farming communities. Once these crops are produced, the safety, security, and the root of food and farming practice that seeks to work with the natural world will be destroyed.

  Japanese government should support strict measures that prevent the production of genetically engineered crops as currently proposed in Hokkaido, Shiga, and Ibaragi prefectures. Also, it should listen closely to the demands of producers and consumers and create regulations that restrict the domestic production of GM crops.

  We shall plant heirloom soy, canola, rice, and wheat that have been passed on to us as our lifeblood. And, we shall protect and raise these seeds and continue on with the farming methods and culture that has enable them to persist. We do this in order to pass on the wholesome life of food and farming to future generations.

  February 14, 2004

　   The 32nd Annual Japan Organic Agriculture Association Meeting in Ehime
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