By Will Bennington, May 28, 2013. Photos by Orin Langelle and Will Bennington. Source: Global Justice Ecology Project
Just a day after two Asheville, NC residents were arrested for interrupting a talk at the Tree Biotechnology 2013 Conference, hundreds of demonstrators descended upon the conference center, throwing the biggest industry event of the year into utter chaos.
The demonstration – the world’s largest ever against GE trees – lasted four hours, and included speakers, singing, chanting and street theatre.
As part of a international movement against extreme energy extraction, demonstrators included members of Earth First!, Tar Sands Blockade, Mountain Justice and anti-mountaintop removal activists. Local farmers, grandparents, children and students also participated.
GJEP Executive Director Anne Petermann addresses a crowd of over 200 on the dangers of GE trees. Photo: Langelle/photolangelle.org for GJEP
The demonstration is a major milestone in the international Campaign to STOP GE Trees. The USDA is currently considering an application from GE tree company ArborGen to deregulate cold-tolerant GE eucalyptus in seven states in the southeastern US. Industry and activists alike recognize that massive public opposition is a major threat, influencing the USDA’s decision as well as the willingness of investors to sink cash into a highly controversial sector.
Photo: Bennington for GJEP
In addition to the threats posed by allowing the commercial release of GE eucalyptus in the southeastern US, many demonstrators voiced concerns about the impacts of industrial plantations, both GE and non-GE, on forest biodiversity. The US south is already ground zero for industrial pulp production, and is facing a major boom in plantations for biofuel production. If approved, many of these plantations could eventually be converted to GE eucalyptus or GE pine and poplar.
Demonstrators outside of the Tree Biotech Conference. Photo: Bennington for GJEP
After two arrests on Monday, and the continuing threat of protest and actions, conference security was on elevated alert. Dozens of police officers stood guard for the duration of the demonstration.
After two arrests and a mass protest, conference security was on high alert. Photo: Langelle/photolangelle.org for GJEP
All other environmental concerns aside, one common thread of the day was a concern over the corporate ownership of genetic material. Companies like ArborGen, which compares itself directly to Monsanto, could potentially claim ownership of forestland and trees if they become contaminated with their patented engineered traits. At the end of the day, several conference attendees addressed this concern with a group of demonstrators, agreeing that there are serious problems with private and corporate ownership of genetic material.
Dressed as Frankentree-wielding mad scientists, demonstrators greeted conference attendees as they left the hotel for dinner. Photo: Bennington for GJEP
When I heard they were going to GE trees I broke down emotionally ..
These “forests” would be a dead zone no wildlife .. a desert.. the trees would kiil any insects that come in contact ..no insects ,no birds, and on like a chain reaction no life .. They also want to develop them with out a major part of lignan which gives the tree its strength .. Easier to grind up
that way .SHEER INSANITY!! This is bad science at its worst . Why Harvest trees at all when you can recycle and grow other paper sources like hemp,banana,bamboo … WE cannot let this happen .. Where ever they put these plantations it will be desert .. These Corporations have a screw loose !! Also patenting a living thing should be illegal .. Next they will want our water and air ..
Awesome!
Reblogged this on My Blog spiritandanimal.wordpress.com.