Greenpeace has successfully concluded its action against the shipment of genetically contaminated soybeans from the bulk carrier Polydefkis P. As the Bordeaux harbour authorities assured Greenpeace that only the non-genetically engineered (GE) soybeans will be unloaded, Greenpeace activists unblocked the cranes of the facility.
The importer of the cargo, Central Soya, a subsidiary of Eridania- Beghin-Say, one of the largest commodity processors and food producers in the world, confirmed to Greenpeace that their soybean facility in Bordeaux will be converted to exclusively GE-free production.
“We welcome Central Soya’s decision, that from now on only non-GE soybean shipments will be processed in this facility and urge the company to extend this commitment to all their facilities in the near future” said Arnaud Apoteker, Greenpeace Genetic Engineering Campaigner.
“The fact that the bulk carrier Polydefkis P. imported both GE and non-GE soybeans from the US proves that segregation is not only feasible but actually happening. We encourage the US farmers and soybean exporters to accept the clear choice of Europeans not to allow any GE grains to enter their food chain and to stop growing GE crops and certainly not mingle them with conventional beans,” Apoteker added.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
For more information:
In Bordeaux: Arnaud Apoteker, Genetic Engineering Campaigner, Greenpeace France, Tel: +33 60757 31 60; Michael Loze, Press Officer, Greenpeace France, +33-6 86927749; Zoe Civange, Press Officer, Greenpeace France, Tel: +33 6 72718033; Greenpeace International: Lorenz Petersen, GE campaigner, Tel: +49 171 8780813; Teresa Merilainen, Media Officer, Tel: +31 625031001.
More information on http://www.greenpeace.org
Pictures available from Greenpeace International Picture Desk, John Novis, Tel: +31653819121. Footage available from Greenpeace France, Tel; +336 86927749 and +33 6 72718033.
