Hon. Patrick G. Binns
Executive Council
Shaw Building, 95 Rochford St.
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7N8

2 January 2004

Re: designating P.E.I. as a GMO free zone

Premier Binns:

The PEI Certified Organic Producers Co-operative wishes to commend you and your government for considering legislation that will designate PEI a GMO free Province. We believe that this initiative will not only provide benefits for the Island agriculture and processing sectors but also for the tourism industry. Although the safety of genetically modified organisms(GMOs) on human health will be debated for years to come, it is clear that consumers are concerned about the safety of GMO food. Large food corporations, such as Monsanto, have refused to label their products as containing GMOs. Therefore, one can only assume that their consumer surveys show that the majority of citizens, when given the choice, will opt for non GMO foods. We believe that when one considers other negative factors, such as the import restrictions on GMO foodstuffs by European countries, the declaration of PEI as a GMO free zone will have many benefits and few disadvantages, if any.

PEI is not a major player in the global food market. If our food producers continue to compete head to head with food giants that mass produce their products in countries with lower labour costs and few environmental regulations we will lose. Our Province does not have the land base or processing capacity to compete. The choice is clear for PEI, we can continue to produce large volumes of one crop with large corporate processors continually seeking the lowest price possible(near or below the cost of production) or produce a greater variety of quality products that command a higher price in the marketplace. It is our organization’s view that the production of certified organic food products and high quality processed products in a GMO free jurisdiction is the best way to ensure the future of the PEI agricultural industry.

In any marketing situation it is important for a local industry to recognize its natural advantages and use them as marketing tools to separate ones products from a crowded marketplace. One natural advantage we have as an island is that we can ensure, to a reasonable degree, that our crops are not contaminated with genetically modified organisms. This is especially significant when it comes to the production of a variety of seed products, such as potatoes and soybean, where the requirement for a GMO free environment is a high priority for buyers.

The supporters of GMO products put forth the argument that the technology allows for the reduced use of herbicides. The jury is still out on whether GMO crops can actually reduce herbicide use or whether, through cross contamination, they will create super weeds that will require larger amounts of herbicide to control or if control of super weeds is actually possible. In addition, there is very good evidence that herbicide use rises with GMO technology because the plants can withstand a higher concentration of chemical herbicide without damage to the crop. As a result, farmers will tend to use higher amounts of herbicides in order to kill all the weeds. We believe that those who see GMO technology as the answer to reducing herbicide and pesticide use should look instead to certified organic production as a safer and more effective method over the long term.

The declaration of PEI as a GMO free zone will also provide a significant benefit for tourism. Each year more and more people are drawn to eco tourist destinations. The designation and promotion of PEI as the first GMO free province in Canada will give the tourism industry an advantage not enjoyed by many other tourist locations. An added benefit is that tourists will be able to enjoy GMO free food produced locally and served at our local restaurants.

Given the significant advantages of designating PEI as Canada’s first GMO province and the few disadvantages, if any, we would urge your government to move with haste toward implementing legislation that will make this a reality within a few months.