Dear all,
next year we have the opportunity to use the discussion around NGTs and PRM (plant reproductive material) to push for our goals in the EU.
to use this discussion we have to explain the legal and factual differences between patents on technical inventions. We have to make sure that if political initiatives are started, conventional bred plants become a priority.
To push for our demands we can use our our existing networks and in addition our new outreach to breeders: Meanwhile our idea to spread leaflets and stickers via breeders works quite well in Germany. We just ordered printing of around 50.000 stickers and 5.000 leaflets. This material will have a QR-Code and a link to our website. We will establish a new campaigning-site to use these new contacts. we may print English (French?? others??) material if we find interest in other countries.
As a starting point, I propose to ask the supporters to send e-mails to the EU Commission, the Council and the Parliament. We can list several e-mail contacts on our website and a message (with visual) for download to be sent. This activity does not require long preparations, it allows rapid alert action (but may not result in very high numbers).
This activity should start in January and will go on till decisions are taken on PRM and NGTs.
After that, we will analyse our chances to succeed via the EU and take further activities accordingly.
I am just about to draft a text for the new campaigning website and hope I can send it this week, so we can launch our action early next year.
Cheers
Christoph