Who we are..

ToGG is a diverse group of friends of many ages and perspectives. We all live in or near Totnes and sporadically work together to get tough on genetic engineering and tough on the causes of genetic engineering.

The group was formed in 1998 when it was discovered that a test group of GM herbicide tolerant maize was to be planted next to an organic farm on the outskirts of town.

We are non-hierarchical collective and form part of a national network of groups and individuals known as GEN (the Genetic Engenering Network). All ToGG work is done on a voluntary basis and expences are funded purely by donations.

OUR MISSION

... is to inspire and empower ourselves and others to create a balanced, diverse, sustainable* and ecologically sound food production and distribution system based on the principles of organic farming.

This is based upon the following beliefs and values:

We all have the right to know and to choose what we eat.

Everyone has the right to eat food which is as pure and natural as possible, untainted by toxic chemicals and other pollutants.

We believe that food growers should use procedures which are non-polluting, non-toxic and which nourish the soil, ourselves and the wider environment, including wild animals and plants.

We believe that food should, as far as possible, be grown, sold and consumed locally, to maximise nutritional value and minimise associated environmental transport costs, as well as to strengthen local economies.

We all have a responsibility to the greater good of the planet, and a duty to act to prevent the destruction of eco-systems and the pollution of our food by unecessary and unproven technologies.

We have a responsibility to other communities worldwide based on our interdependence as co-habitants of this planet. We therefore support every community's right to develop food production and distribution systems appropriate to local conditions, and we oppose the imposition of inappropriate technology onto vulnerable communities by profit-motivated corporate interests.

Our aims are, therefore, to:

promote organic farming methods as the most viable, healthy and truly sustainable system of agriculture.

promote farmers' markets and other local food distribution systems.
oppose the introduction of uncontrollable, invasive and unnecessary products of biotechnology into the food chain.

ensure that the content and source of all ingredients in processed food be clearly labelled, including all additives and derivatives which have been genetically modified.

To achieve these aims, we will, to the best of our ability:

educate ourselves and others about the political, social, economic, environmental and technological issues which affect and inform our campaign.

research and publish accurate and up-to-date information about developments in biotechnology and its applications, especially issues which affect agriculture, ecology and food production.

communicate our aims and concerns by all available means, including public events, the media, printed material and the Internet.

encourage others to adopt similar aims and principles, and support and encourage the efforts of other campaigners with complementary aims in all parts of the world.

* Monsanto has hijacked and abused the term "sustainable": we use it here in the sense of "being inherently stable and capable of being maintained indefinitely without ill effects". Apparently Monsanto's PR agency thinks it means, "dependent upon regular applications of herbicide".