Urgent GMO's in Okanagan Valley BC - James challenges Min of Ag to debate important topic

In recent days protests have been held throughout BC and the Okanagan to restrict approval of GMO’s and now a BC Conservtaive party candidate has challenged the Minister of Agriculture to an urgent debate. Something immediately impacting the Okanagan is the introduction of GMO apples and their potential to devasate orchards as well as impact pollonators.

Here is the release:

April 11, 2013

James challenges Letnick to agriculture debate

Kelowna-Lake Country voters will have a lively debate to attend sometime during the next month if Kelowna-Lake Country Conservative candidate Graeme James has his way.

James has challenged current Kelowna-Lake Country Liberal MLA Norm Letnick to an open debate regarding agriculture issues in B.C. Premier Christy Clark appointed Letnick Minister of Agriculture earlier this year.

“Agriculture is a major backbone to our local and provincial economy and has been disgracefully treated by the current Liberal government,” James says. “The future of agriculture is not only in great crises here in Kelowna-Lake Country, and the Okanagan Valley – but likewise across the province. With close to a dozen agriculture ministers over the last 11 years it’s clear that agriculture holds very little importance with this Liberal government. The agriculture budget has been slashed year after year and has left the ministry in shambles”.

James adds that a number of other related issues around agriculture remain unresolved or need immediate attention.

“The ‘replant program’ needs long term support from the government so orchardists can look to the future instead of worrying in the present. The Liberal government is standing on the sidelines regarding GMO regulations and labelling while GMO apples and alfalfa pose imminent danger to BC agriculture. It seems Minister Letnick and his Liberal cohorts have no idea how to deal with them,” James suggested Thursday.

James says he will gladly meet with Letnick, “anytime and anywhere” to discuss the various issues.

“I have the greatest respect for Mr. Letnick, but I question his real knowledge of the importance and urgency facing agriculture. We need an Agriculture Minister who not only understands the issues, but is also willing to fight for the farmer and orchardist,” James fumes.

James, a former Kelowna City Councillor and Regional District Director says he’s has spent his life involved in the agriculture industry and believes he can bring knowledge and experience to the struggling industry if elected.

James said he is fully prepared to debate the issues with Letnick under any format and welcomes any moderator including media to help organize or run the head to head forum.

More information on Graeme James please go to: www.electgraeme.com.

For comment call Graeme James 250-762-2861.

Here is more info on the protests:

“Yesterday, April 9 2013, a group of local concerned citizens joined  with CBan and citizens in 38 other areas across Canada to call for a moratorium on the approval of GMO alfalfa in Canada. The video starts slow, but be patient, it is a wonderful snapshot of the new Canadian citizen emerging… politically active, informed and willing to speak out for the rights of Canadians and defend Canadian democracy, as well as the environment.” www.wakingupforava.com