NationStates Jolt Archive

My fellow Delegates, I have submitted a proposal to address the worldwide issue of gentically modified food.

It is a proposal to introduce worldwide standards for a worldwide situation.

It is not a ban or endorsement of the GM Agribusiness, but a set of safeguards designed to protect every person's right to know what they are eating.

Business shall benefit from consumer trust generated by this new level of accountability, people will benefit by having the right to know what they are eating, the right to choose.

A nations right to ban or allow GM foods are upheld and the promotion of safe and responsible GM technology will be of benefit to us all.

I ask fellow delegates to support my proposal, so that all the nations of this world can vote on this global issue!

Thank you.

Kerflakistan is in favor of maintaining sovereign states' rights to ban or allow GM products. Although your description is pretty vague, We would probably support such a resolution. If this is not part of your proposal, allowing for consumer warnings or consumer information on the GM food should be allowed, including country of origin, what type of GM ingredients are included, etc. States that ban products not containing significant information for consumers should not be penalized under any free trade agreements.

Foreign Minister
Kerflakistan

It's designed not to be too strict, to avoid compaints of UN oppression of national rights. Otherwise it'll never get to the vote and to be fair, nations can decide for themselves.

Labelling is included in the resolution, it's what is meant by ensuring that all products containing GM substances say so and that the TYPE of GM is also mentioned (ie anti-biotic, pesticide resistant etc).

I'm aware of the slightly vague sounding text, it's just awareness on my part of the current climate against an overbearing UN. It seems proposals saying too little fare better than ones saying too much.

It sets out rules that will enable safe and responsible development of GM produce and protects a nation's right to ban or allow GM produce.

Thank you for your feedback and support.

Link to proposal: http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=UN_proposal1/match=GM%20Agriculture%20Bill

GM Agriculture Bill

Category: Human Rights; A resolution to improve worldwide human and civil rights.
Strength: Significant

Proposed by: Beaumontia


Description: Genetically modified foods grant us the power to revolutionise the way we produce food, the nutritional value of food and the cost of its production to the environment and the consumer.

However with power comes responsibility, GM technology affects the entire world and every single living being on it!

All businesses that produce GM food need to abide by the following standards:

1. GM crops must be grown in contained environments, this is to avoid cross pollination.

2. All products containing GM ingredients would be labelled identifying that, and also listing what the modification was.

3. Termination genes cannot be inserted into commercially sold GM produce, only produce that is purely for reseach purposes.

4. Nations have the right to restrict or ban the sale or import of produce containing GM substances but also the right to allow its sale.

5. Governments and their environmental health agencies must be allowed to carry out independant studies into the impact and safety of GM production.

6. The outcomes of the studies in measure 5 must be available to the public, if a GM method is deemed safe or unsafe that fact is to be made known to the public.

These measures do not mean that genetic modification is not allowed, or even discouraged, it's to enhance the human right to choose what we eat and know how our food is made.

This resolution is here to ensure companies undertaking GM food production are held responsible. This resolution will not hurt their industry, these measures will do much to improve consumer trust and confidence in genetic modification.

This resolution is not designed to punish business. It's here to uphold human rights when it comes to food and agriculture, the backbone of civilisation itself.


UN Resolution proposed by:

Artorius Mentora - Ambassador to the UN and Regional Delegate of Zhaucauozian Friendship.

Countersigned by Emperor Jaius I of Beaumontia.


Voting Ends: Fri Feb 20 2004

Well linked Santin, I knew there was something I'd forgotton to do.

Just as well I have to consult the Imperial Assembly before I can push the big red nuclear launching button, know knows what I'd do after a state function.

Yours,

Emperor Jaius I of Beaumontia

We have considered this bill carefully and come to the conclusion that it is a good proposal AND an international issue. We're particularly pleased to see that it allows for protection from rapacious corporations.

However, it only takes a strong wind and a few airborne seeds to kick off the process of cross-pollination. Given that the UN represents only a third of all nations, this proposl will struggle to protect those nations that choose not to take the modification route.

However, were this proposal to reach quorum, we would be inclined to support it (subject to any notable objections raised by other nations).

Best wishes
Nirgal
Speaker for Agriculture
Community of Ecopoeia

Fellow nations, we wish to address the point on the dangers of cross pollination.

The resolution demands that all GM crop production must occur in an enclosed environment, this will prevent contamination.

Please support this proposal and make sure that GM technology is implemented responsibly.

Thank you for your time.