On 20 May 2017, hundreds of thousands of concerned indivuals will gather across 38 countries to join in peaceful protest against the Monsanto Company as part of the March Against Monsanto grassroots campaign. The Sydney event will be more than just a simple march or a singular annual event. It will be an opportunity to meet and connect with others in our community to discuss GMO's and to begin taking personal control of our food and exploring alternative options that are available to us. <~ EVENT DETAILS ~> 11am Meet at Sydney Town Hall for mini rally 1130 March to Hyde Park (via Bathurst St) 12pm Rally at Hyde Park (Cnr Elizabeth & Park Street) with music, talks and networking. ** prizes for most creative protest sign and costume (costume not mandatory!). Please refrain from using swear words on your signs and costumes as this is a friendly, family event). <~ ENTERTAINMENT AND SPEAKERS ~> Ecopella - Environmental Choir Zane Thompson - Musician Team Drummers Michelle Sheather - Ecologist and Permaculture Papa Sean - Local campaigns and solutions Neil Pascoe - Solutions based empowerment Seed Savers Plus more TBC ------------------------- WHY DO WE MARCH? Research studies have shown that Monsanto’s genetically-modified (GMO) foods can lead to serious health conditions such as the development of cancer tumors, infertility and birth defects. For too long, Monsanto has been the benefactor of corporate subsidies and political favoritism. Organic and small farmers suffer losses while Monsanto continues to forge its monopoly over the world’s food supply, including exclusive patenting rights over seeds and genetic makeup. Monsanto’s GMO seeds are harmful to the environment; for example, scientists have indicated that they have caused colony collapse among the world’s bee population. WHAT ARE SOLUTIONS ADVOCATED? - Vote with your wallet by buying organic and boycotting Monsanto-owned companies that use GMOs in their products. - Labeling of GMOs so that consumers can make those informed decisions easier. - Calling for further scientific research on the health effects of GMOs. - Holding Monsanto executives and Monsanto-supporting politicians accountable through direct communication, grassroots journalism, social media, etc. - Continuing to inform the public about Monsanto’s secrets. - Taking to the streets to show the world and Monsanto that we won’t take these injustices quietly. We will not stand for cronyism. We will not stand for poison. That’s why we March Against Monsanto. FURTHER INFORMATION ON GMOs For fantastic information and explanations on GMOs, including what products in Australia contain GMOs, please check out the following websites: YouTube documentary 'The World According to Monsanto': https://youtu.be/87qrTXZaXkk http://www.madge.org.au/what-genetically-modified-gm-food http://www.march-against-monsanto.com/home/ http://downtoearthmother.com/2013/06/19/how-to-avoid-gmo-foods-in-australia/ http://safefoodfoundation.org/