Biotech Bullies Pick on Scottish School Kids with "Your World"

Norfolk Genetic Information Network (ngin)  News Release 9may01

Anti GM campaign group Scottish Genetix Action is demanding the removal of a biotechnology industry funded magazine that has been distributed throughout 600 Scottish education establishments.

The magazine "Your World: Biotechnology & You" originates in the United States of America and is funded by the "Biotechnology Institute" whose member include key GM (genetically modified) crop proponents such as Monsanto and Novartis.

Scottish Genetix Action campaigner Matthew Herbert said "This publication being launched in schools by Scottish Enterprise is blatant pro-biotechnology propaganda. The biotech companies behind the magazine are turning the provision of education into a marketing opportunity. This is not so much education as indoctrination."

"Scottish Enterprise are very enthusiastic to get this publication into schools but are less enthusiastic to divulge to teachers, parents and the public alike the multinational, corporate forces behind it." He continued, "The majority of people in the UK have consistently come out against against GM crops. The biotech industry has failed to present any compelling evidence of their benefit. Rather than face the reality that we have rejected their product, the biotech companies, with the aid of Scottish Enterprise, are sidestepping democracy in an underhand attempt to influence the next generation of consumers."

Scottish Genetix Action are planning to deliver their demands to Scottish Enterprise in the near future.

Notes for Editors

[1] 8000 kilos consisting of 140,000 back copies of "Your World" has been shipped to Scotland for distribution to pupils.

[2] Teachers notes have been formulated to the content of 7 magazine issues with regards to the Scottish curriculum ? www.sebiotech.org.uk 

[3] An NOP poll issued on 24th September 2000 showed 67% of the British public are opposed to GM meat and dairy products.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT MATTHEW HERBERT on 0845 4584776