Genetic Engineering has become a massive issue in the UK and indeed worldwide. One of the most exciting things about the wider campaign against genetic engineering is the number of groups active on varying levels. Whilst some groups are working on the animal welfare side of genetic engineering, others are working on the patenting of life or other aspects of this issue. Some people want complete bans, some the labelling of GE products and others moratoria, and others are simply concentrating on raising public awareness.
It became apparent that all these groups needed to establish some common ground and exchange information in order to be as effective as possible. The other need was for information to get out to the general public in order to inform and enable them to become actively involved. The Genetic Engineering Network (GEN) was set up in early 1997 to achieve these aims and exists as a clearing house for information and a facilitator for networking.
Groups actively exchanging information within the network include Corporate Watch, Earth First!, genetiX snowball, Genetix Food Alert, Five Year Freeze, Green Party, Greenpeace, Women's Environmental Network and Gaia Foundation, as well as retailers in the natural food trade, organic farmers and the numerous local groups and individuals that are springing up around the UK in opposition to genetic engineering. If you are interested in becoming part of this informal network, please contact us. We are also happy to help with new groups setting up and will put people in contact with others in their area if requested
GEN helps to facilitate exchange between individuals and groups within the British anti-GM campaign. We organise at least one national gathering each year and produce the bi-monthly Genetix Update newsletter. We have a small office to deal with the ever-increasing demand for information, as well as a press database so that we are in are able to send out press releases both on request from local groups as well as general GEN press releases. Rather than deal with all the press and public inquiries ourselves, we usually guide the media to groups or individuals that we feel would be most appropriate for the particular inquiry. There are also local meetings taking place on a regular basis around the country.
- Please contact the GEN office if you have any queries about genetic engineering and the ongoing campaign against it.
- Please also keep the office updated about what is going on in your area. It is much better to hear the same information a dozen times than to not hear it at all.
The Genetix Update newsletter is an eight-page bi-monthly newsletter summarising the main developments on the very broad subject of genetic engineering from the previous month, as well as reporting on direct action against genetic engineering. It is aimed at concerned members of the public as well as campaigning groups and activists. It is a means to inform and inspire people to become more involved in resistance to genetic engineering and to keep those already active abreast of the latest developments. Each issue includes contact details for national organisations and independent local groups participating in the campaign.
**Genetix Update is produced by unpaid volunteers. It is very important to GEN that the newsletter stays free to those with little income. To continue in this way, we request a £5 suggested donation from anyone able to afford it. Cheques & postal orders should be made payable to "Genetix Update" and sent to