Terminator technology refers to the genetic manipulation of seeds to produce plants with sterile seeds. The CBD enacted a de facto moratorium on Terminator technology in 2000, recognizing the threats that this technology poses to the environment, to global food security, and to the livelihoods of more than 1.4 billion people who depend on farm-saved seed around the world. This moratorium is now in danger. Canada first attempted to overturn the CBD moratorium on Terminator in February 2005 at a UN meeting in Bangkok and there are fears it will try again in Brazil.

Canada’s position on Terminator seed technology has hit a nerve with Canadians. What is even more dismaying is the fact that the Government has not consulted with farmers in Canada on defining their position on Terminator. Giuliano Tolusso of Agriculture Canada was recently quoted as saying “We haven’t necessarily actively consulted farmers”. The question begs to be asked: “In whose name is the delegation speaking and whose interests are they serving?”

“The government of Canada saw how angry Canadians were at proposed legislation to take away Canadian farmers’ ability to save, reuse, and exchange seeds; this is nothing compared to the reaction you will get if you try and impose sterile seeds on us” said Colleen Ross, Women’s President of the National Farmers Union. “These plants are engineered to grow dead seeds. This technology has zero benefit to farmers. It only serves one purpose: to force farmers to buy seeds every year from seed companies who will increase their profits at our expense.”

The 44,000 farmers of Quebec’s Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), the National Farmers Union, and the Canadian Organic Growers have all declared themselves opposed to Terminator. Last week, the 200,000 member Canadian Federation of Agriculture passed a resolution requesting an assessment of Terminator’s impacts on farmers. It is estimated that the introduction of Terminator wheat alone will cost Canadian farmers an additional 100 million dollars per year.

The Canadian Ban Terminator campaign – led by ETC Group, Inter Pares, National Farmers Union and USC Canada is holding a public forum in Ottawawhere Terminator seeds will be “put on trial”. Hosted by CBC journalist Bob Carty, the “trial” will feature “testimonies” from world renowned scientist Vandana Shiva and Percy Schmeiser, the Saskatchewan farmer who fought Monsanto all the way to the Supreme Court. Government and industry representatives have also been invited.

"This is another example of corporate profits being placed ahead of people and life itself" says Mr. Schmeiser. Where is the justice when the biotech industry’s bottom line is placed ahead of a billion people?"

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For media inquiries:

Stewart Wells – National Farmers Union (306) 773-6852 or (306) 741-7694

Faris Ahmed – USC Canada (613) 234-6827 ext. 223