The Rural Voice, 2005-11, Page 9National Farmers Union -Ontario NEWSLETTER
Ontario Office: R.R. 2, Godfrey, ON KOH 1TD - Phone: 613-273-5545
Email: nfuo@rideau.net Website: www.nfu.ca/on
NFU issues challenge to Monsanto "spin doctor"
An open letter to Trish .Jordan and
Monsanto
October 19, 2005
Dear Ms. Jordan,
Glyphosate -based herbicides are
important tools for many farmers, so
any information about potential
problems is important. All research is
of interest.
On September 29, 2005, the
Western Producer reported on a
study conducted by publicly -funded
Agriculture Canada researchers that
found a link between glyphosate
herbicides and a costly plant disease
called fusarium.
The Agriculture Canada study
concludes that "previous glyphosate
formulation application was the only
crop production factor that was
significantly associated with higher
fusarium head blight levels every
year of the study" and that there was
"statistically significant and consis-
tent association between previous
glyphosate formulation application
Eat fresh, buy local -
wise choices for people
and the planet
1. Enjoy tastier and healthier food
2. Support family farms and the
local economy
3. Build a vibrant community
4. Slow down and feel the land
5. Promote food security and
sovereignty
6. Nurture the soil, plants and
animals
7. Preserve biodiversity
8. Protect the environment
9. Celebrate our region and its bounty
10. Create a vital, sustainable legacy
and fusarium head blight develop-
ment in spring wheat throughout our
4 -year study conducted in producers'
fields."
Despite calls from Agriculture
Canada scientists for more research
on the issue. you make the claim, in
that same Western Producer article,
that there is no need for the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to
take any further action and no need
for further research.
You go on to make the following
statement: "They [The National
Farmers Union] can throw out this
study and we can probably throw 50
others back."
The purpose of this letter is to issue
a public challenge to you and your
employer to "throw 50 others back..
You have made this statement, which
would lead readers to think that there
are 50 other studies on the issue.
OK. Let's see them.
If you do not place "50 other
studies" on the table in the next
couple of weeks. then readers
everywhere will be forced to
conclude that your "studies" are no
more than a figment of your own
imagination designed to mislead the
government and the public.
You have made a statement
regarding scientific fact: this is your
chance to back it up.0
Yours truly.
Terry Boehm,Vice-President
National Farmers Union.
Coming Event
November 17, 18 and 19, 2005
National Farmers Union 36th Annual National Convention
"Food, Power and Politics"
Ottawa West Travelodge Hotel and Convention Centre
1376 Carling Avenue Ottawa, Ontario.
Full details in last month's Rural Voice
Members of all other farm organizations and concerned citizens are welcome
to attend as observers - visit www.nfu.ca for registration details.
November 29, 8:00 p.m.
Wellington/Waterloo/Hamilton Local Annual General Meeting
Husky Farm Equipment, Alma
Reports from the National Convention.
Call Ron Weber (519) 343-4803 for more information
Perth/Oxford NFU Local and EFAO are hosting
"Terminate the Terminator":
a public meeting on the push from corporations and governments to
commercialize Terminator technology - plants that are genetically modified
to render sterile seeds at harvest. Stratford, early December.
Call Ann Slater (519) 349-2448 for details.
For information on local meetings contact the following:
Bruce Local - Mathilda Andres 519-368-5675 Grey Local - Bev Schenk 519-799-5584
Huron Local - Stephen Miller 519-236-4958 Perth Oxford Local - Ann Slater 519-349-2448
NOVEMBER 2005 5