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Food expert speaks at public forum

Lucy Sharratt spoke on the science of genetic engineering in foods to a crowd of more than 100 people.
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Lucy Sharratt speaks to attendees of a public forum on genetically modified crops

More than 100 people turned out to a public forum last week to listen to “one of Canada’s foremost experts on genetically modified food.”

Lucy Sharratt, co-ordinator for the Canadian Biotech Action Network, was the keynote speaker at the event, which was sponsored by GE Free Surrey, GE Free Langley, Society for a GE Free B.C., the Council of Canadians (Surrey-Langley-White Rock) and CBAN.

Attendees say Sharratt spoke about the science of genetic engineering, which foods are genetically modified and how genetically engineered food is ubiquitous in today’s diets.

She also spoke to concerns around the possibility that alfalfa my be introduced here, said Phil Harrison, a South Surrey resident and member of GE Free Surrey and the Surrey, Langley & White Rock Chapter of the Council of Canadians.

If introduced to the environment, alfalfa, Harrison noted, “will end organic agriculture as we know it.”

Longtime Richmond Coun. Harold Steves also spoke at the forum, Harrison said.

Next up, Harrison is to present to Surrey’s agricultural advisory committee on Dec. 6; a step on the road to asking council to oppose the planting of genetically modified crops in the city.