New York (June 12, 2019) – Alison Cohen, Senior Director of Programs, WhyHunger, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products Executive Order.

“This regulatory streamlining Executive Order (EO) for biotech is a gross misstep towards ending hunger, combating climate change and building a just food and farm system. Essentially the EO is giving a blank check to Monsanto, ADM and the like to continue with their practice of industry consolidation. It effectively negates the science indicating that one-third of our greenhouse gas emissions come from industrialized agriculture, and ultimately portends further bio-tech related public health concerns for all of us.

There is no solution to climate change and hunger while industrial agriculture and international agri-food businesses dominate and pollute our fields, oceans, food stocks and markets. What is needed are better agroecological practices, as well as a joined-up approach that understands the most pressing social issues of our time—hunger, poverty, racial injustice, immigration, war and conflict, weakened democracies–are part and parcel with the most pressing environmental issues of our time.”

Learn more about the recent announcement from the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture here.

About WhyHunger
Founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayres, WhyHunger believes a world without hunger is possible. We provide critical resources to support grassroots movements and fuel community solutions rooted in social, environmental, racial and economic justice. A four-star rated charity by Charity Navigator, WhyHunger is working to end hunger and advance the human right to nutritious food in the U.S. and around the world. Learn more at whyhunger.org and follow us on Facebook,  Twitter and Instagram.

 

Media Contact:

Abby Cohen | 646.695.7044 | [email protected]