Earth Liberation Front Claims Responsibility 

For Action Against Genetic Engineering At University Of Idaho 

ELF Press Release 18jun01

MOSCOW, ID - The Earth Liberation Front (ELF) has officially claimed responsibility for sabotaging the University of Idaho biotechnology building in opposition to genetic engineering on June 10, 2001. This is the second strike by the ELF at the new biotech building.

A communique released by the ELF stated, "Survey stakes were removed and the exterior of the new building painted with such sentiments as 'NO GE' and 'Go Organic'".

The Earth Liberation Front is an international underground organization that uses direct action in the form of economic sabotage to stop the destruction of the natural environment. In North America alone since 1997, the ELF has caused over $40 million in damages to entities who profit from the destruction of life.

The communique continued, "Biotechnological research may be intended for good ends by the scientist, as was nuclear research, but in our free enterprise police state society it will be used almost solely for greed and control. With Genetic Engineering we are creating another bomb."

Among other genetic engineering research projects, the University of Idaho, in partnership with Monsanto's Naturemark, genetically modifies potatoes to be resistant to various viruses and pests. UI with Naturemark and Idaho 4-H also are in collaboration in a "educational" program called "Biotechnology and Potatoes". This joint effort is aimed at "teaching" students of all ages about plant biotechnology and includes hands-on genetic engineering. The Young Enterprise Program is another outcome of this partnership which places the marketing of genetically engineered potatoes into the hands of students. Naturemark supplies their genetically modified NewLeaf potatoes to students who then market them to local communities. These projects aimed at propagandizing students with industry myths no doubt refuse to discuss the serious threat genetic engineering poses to the natural environment and life on this planet.

source: http://www.earthliberationfront.com/news/2001/010618m1.html 21jul01