To: President Donald Trump
Controversial International Aid Program
Dear President Obama,
The New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition is a commitment by G-8 nations, African countries and private sector partners to lift 50 million people out of poverty over the next 10 years through inclusive and sustained agricultural growth. It responds to strong African commitments to promote and protect food security and nutrition – articulated in multiple settings since 2003 and validated by tremendous progress made in Africa since 2009. The New Alliance builds upon and will continue the progress made by G-8 nations since 2009 at the L’Aquila Summit, and offers a broad, inclusive and innovative path to strengthen food security and nutrition.
However, the Alliance does not specify the type of agriculture that is being exported to third world countries, nor the profit being made by the private sector involved in this initiative. In fact this effort, as noble as it may seem, is a way for Monsanto and other mega food/agriculture companies (who deal with genetically modified / GM seeds, pesticides, etc) to export their controversial products to the third world, under the guise of the United Nations.
Regardless if you believe or not that the current epidemic of cancer (and other conditions) in the US is due agricultural practices (GM foods, pesticides, or hormones and antibiotics); the international community must stop exporting profit over health considerations, in the guise of humanitarian or development aid.
Until the science proves otherwise, we must not let private sector dictate the policies of UN agencies who must remain neutral and ultimately dedicated to the health of human kind, and not to the profits or dumping of products by private sector in the poorest countries in the world.
Please ensure that a) USAID and the United Nations (WFP) appoint an oversight committee of international medical and scientific experts to advise on the program, b) refrain from the use of controversial GM foods and seeds, and/ or pesticides and their exportation under this program.
We ask, that, we; as the nation known as a haven of the down trodden, protect the rights and health of the poorest citizens of our world, and not the profits of the largest corporations. Thank you for your kind attention.
The New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition is a commitment by G-8 nations, African countries and private sector partners to lift 50 million people out of poverty over the next 10 years through inclusive and sustained agricultural growth. It responds to strong African commitments to promote and protect food security and nutrition – articulated in multiple settings since 2003 and validated by tremendous progress made in Africa since 2009. The New Alliance builds upon and will continue the progress made by G-8 nations since 2009 at the L’Aquila Summit, and offers a broad, inclusive and innovative path to strengthen food security and nutrition.
However, the Alliance does not specify the type of agriculture that is being exported to third world countries, nor the profit being made by the private sector involved in this initiative. In fact this effort, as noble as it may seem, is a way for Monsanto and other mega food/agriculture companies (who deal with genetically modified / GM seeds, pesticides, etc) to export their controversial products to the third world, under the guise of the United Nations.
Regardless if you believe or not that the current epidemic of cancer (and other conditions) in the US is due agricultural practices (GM foods, pesticides, or hormones and antibiotics); the international community must stop exporting profit over health considerations, in the guise of humanitarian or development aid.
Until the science proves otherwise, we must not let private sector dictate the policies of UN agencies who must remain neutral and ultimately dedicated to the health of human kind, and not to the profits or dumping of products by private sector in the poorest countries in the world.
Please ensure that a) USAID and the United Nations (WFP) appoint an oversight committee of international medical and scientific experts to advise on the program, b) refrain from the use of controversial GM foods and seeds, and/ or pesticides and their exportation under this program.
We ask, that, we; as the nation known as a haven of the down trodden, protect the rights and health of the poorest citizens of our world, and not the profits of the largest corporations. Thank you for your kind attention.
Why is this important?
G-8 and African partners have designed country cooperation frameworks in Ethiopia, Ghana and Tanzania. More will follow across Africa. Over 45 multinational and African companies have committed to specific agricultural investments that total more than $3 billion and span all areas of the agricultural value chain, including irrigation, crop protection, financing and infrastructure. However controversial agriculture practices are being used in this development initiative; spurned by mega agricultural corporations such as Monsanto, etc. Exporting genetically modified seeds or grain and pesticides that have possible health consequences should not be allowed under the guise of this aid program. Sign this petition and tell President Obama to ensure a scientific and medical oversight to this international aid and keep private corporation profits out of the initiative now!