Pierre Rabhi
A farmer in the1960s, Pierre Rabhi confronted very early on the problem of intensive agriculture and was appalled by the impacts of this practice on ecosystems. In the 1960s, he decided to develop, with his wife, an ecological agriculture experience in Ardèche (France). He promoted the principles of agro-ecology in France as well as in Africa. He is engaged in projects supporting the local environment, notably for the rehabilitation of African oases, since 1994, and leads "Oases in all places" movement. Today he directs the Earth and Humanism Association, which fights for the respect of the earth and solidarity. To share his experience, he has written several books including "Sahara aux Cévennes (The Sahara of the Cévennes)" or "la Reconquête du songe (Regaining the Dream)" (Albin Michel, 1995), "Parole de Terre (Talk About Earth)" (Albin Michel, Paris, 1996 - preface by Yehudi Menuhin) and "Graines de possibles : Regards croisés sur l'écologie (Seeds of Possibility: Differing Views on Ecology" co-authored by Nicolas Hulot and Weronika Zarachowicz (Livre de Poche, 2006).
New Scientist was founded in 1956, this internationally-focused weekly British magazine aims at giving readers exhaustive information on recent worldwide developments in science from a scientific,...
This professor of molecular biology also chairs the scientific board of CRII-GEN (Comité de Recherche et d'Information Indépendantes sur le génie Génétique), the main independent laboratory on GMO in...
A farmer in the1960s, Pierre Rabhi confronted very early on the problem of intensive agriculture and was appalled by the impacts of this practice on ecosystems. In the 1960s, he decided to develop,...
Frédéric Durand is senior lecturer at the Université de Toulouse II-Le Mirail and researcher at the Centre CNRS for Southeast Asia, is a specialist in environmental and developmental issues. He has...
A hold-up at the expense of humanity
31/08/2008 7:14 pm
I remain firm in my beliefs and refuse the arguments of several flatterers whom businesses have scattered around the planet to convince States and their populations to opt for GM food. How can we be fooled by the posturing of scientists who are carried away by their ability to transgress genetic make-up, of companies concerned with investment and profit and of ignorant and subordinate politicians? Genetics has been programmed since the beginning of life in accordance with certain codes, assuring their endless renewal. Meddling with these laws seems to me a serious transgression and is something I find shocking.
Apart from all these issues, I find it intolerable that a tiny minority of people can play with the destiny of all. Since the beginning of agriculture, humans have continuously increased food production, improving it and adapting it for specific uses, in order to eat, clothe themselves, construct shelters and for medical purposes, but also to savour its flavours, smells, colours and beauty… What we are witnessing is the gradual usurpation and monopolisation of this common good we call seeds, which represent life itself, as well as survival. Few citizens are aware of the hold-up being organised by international profiteers at the expense of humanity.
Pierre Rabhi – Graines de Possibles, Regards Croisés sur l’Ecologie (avec Nicolas Hulot). Édition Livre de poche.
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