For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 6, 2005 12:00 PM EST
Contact:
Amy Shollenberger (802) 793-1114
Michael Feiner (802) 793-1725

Montpelier, VT-In a "Shock of Red," wearing their trademark red
shirts, more than thirty supporters for a "Time Out" on GMO's
(genetically modified organisms) packed into the rear of the House
Chamber today during Governor Douglas' inauguration ceremony
bringing their message loud and clear to all 180 representatives
present that legislation protecting all Vermont farmers from the
threat of genetic engineering must be the top priority in the 2005
session.

The state of Vermont, first in the nation to pass a GMO seed
labeling law last spring, is poised for a legislative session in
2005 that promises to be fierce as Vermonters unleash on only the
second day of the session a new wave of pressure to address the
alarming risks of GMOs and Liability.

A bill to protect all Vermont farmers from the liabilities
associated with the risks of genetically engineered crops through
contamination and hostile biotech seed contract obligations, dubbed
the Farmer Protection Act, passed twice in the Senate in 2004, but
stalled in a bitterly divided House.

"The Farmer Protection Act could save Vermont farmers from predatory
corporate lawsuits." said Amy Shollenberger, policy director at
Rural Vermont, "The bill would make the corporations who own the
patents on these new seeds liable for the damages they may do to
farmers whose fields become contaminated with genetically engineered
material, whether those farms are organic or conventional."

Concerned citizens listened as Governor Douglas addressed a standing
room only crowd.

"Despite the Governor's callous indifference to the fate of family
farmers over the last two years, we have a new guard in the
statehouse this year with noticeably more balance and
representation," said Michael Feiner, a long time opponent of
genetic engineering and organic farmhand from Southern Vermont, "The
tide may finally turn against multinational corporations and back in
favor of Vermont's farmers, citizens, precious agriculture and
healthy, ecological environment. A moratorium on GMOs is a critical
first step."

"GMOs are sure to be an issue we will be hearing a lot about this
session," said Representative Dexter Randall (P-Orleans-Franklin-1),
"the people of Vermont want action to protect our farming community
from GMOs, and they will not let up until they get it. They are
relentless."

Rural Vermont is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to
defending small family farms, and has been working for economic
justice and a sustainable future in Vermont's rural communities
since 1985. For more information: (802) 223-7222 or
amybeth@together.net

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