KELOWNA – Dozens gathered at the Parkinson Recreation Centre in Kelowna Saturday morning for the annual March Against Monsanto with demonstrators opposing the genetic modification of food. Waving hand-drawn signs and yelling chants, protesters were calling for more protection of food supplies as well as awareness of what they say are harmful impacts of genetically modified foods like the Arctic Apple.
“We’d like to have it stopped from being sold and I think people at the end of the day need to contact their grocery stores and let them know that they will not support you if you bring in that apple,” says activist Kevin Proteau.
The genetically modified Arctic Apple has got the go ahead by Health Canada, which says modified apples have no impact on allergies and there are no nutritional differences between the Arctic Apples and traditional ones. Organizers of the march say Monsanto is the targeted figurehead of the movement. Activists are highlighting the monopoly the GMO giant has in controlling food supply.
“Take your dollars, support your local, ethical, organic and natural farmers,” says Proteau.
The Kelowna march is one of many around the world. Proteau says close to 40 countries participated in the demonstrations on Saturday.
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