[Editor's note: This is a summary of a podcast you can download or listen to from this page.]

In January 2008, Deconstructing Dinner launched the first of a series that is tracking the movement to create GE-free zones; regions that are free of genetically engineered plants and trees.

The first region in North America to become GE-free was Mendocino County, California, back in 2004. Soon after, Powell River, B.C. did the same, becoming the first GE-free zone in Canada. The Southern Gulf Islands in B.C. followed suit, and since November 2007, a group in the interior of the province has been working towards becoming the third GE-free region in the country.

Deconstructing Dinner has covered regional campaigns to ban genetically modified organisms (GMO's) or genetically engineered (GE) foods with the hope that other communities can use these recordings as a resource.

On this episode, we listen in on the July 10, 2008 official launch of the GE-Free Kootenays campaign. Featured at the event was the most well-known critic of GE foods, Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser.

Next week, hear the second part of Percy's speech as well as a short presentation by GE-Free Kootenays spokesperson, Andy Morel. You can also expect an exclusive interview with Percy and his wife Louise.

Voices

Percy Schmeiser, farmer, www.percyschmeiser.com (Bruno, Sask.) -- Schmeiser, a 77-year-old farmer, and his wife Louise have received global recognition for their passion and devotion to the rights of farmers. In December 2007, the Schmeisers were awarded the Right Livelihood Award (also known as the "Alternative Nobel"). "I have always campaigned on the right of a farmer to save and re-use his own seed. This is what I have been doing for the last 50 years. I will continue to support any efforts to strengthen the rights of a farmer to save and re-use his own seed."

Corky Evans, MLA Nelson-Creston, New Democratic Party of British Columbia (Winlaw, B.C.) -- Corky Evans was elected as the MLA for Nelson Creston in 1991, and was re-elected in 1996. He was once again elected to represent his constituents on May 17, 2005. Corky has ten years of experience as an MLA, during which time he served in many cabinet portfolios, including Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. He most recently served as Opposition Critic for Agriculture and Lands.

Related Tyee stories:

• Canada Votes 'No' on GE-Food Labels
  Podcast: 'Deconstructing Dinner' on Bill C-517's defeat in the House of Commons.
• Slow Food's Growing Pains
  Want to eat local? You'll have to get in line.
• Can We Create GE-Free Zones?
  Part two of podcast 'Colonizing the Canadian farmer.'