From May 26-June 1, the International Tree Biotechnology 2013 Conference took place in Asheville, NC. This conference is a gathering of genetically engineered tree proponents and scientists. The Campaign to STOP GE Trees together with Join Earth First! and Global Justice Ecology Project had called to Resist the Tree Biotechnology 2013 Conference and carried out a week of resistance to genetically engineered trees.
The protestors said that if legalized, GE trees would lead to the destruction of native forests and biodiversity in the US South, and be economically devastating to rural communities. After disrupting for 20 minutes a major presentation by Belgian tree engineer Wout Boerjan entitled, “Engineering trees for the biorefinery,” two Asheville residents were arrested.
The full story with photos can be found at: http://globaljusticeecology.org/stopgetrees.php?tabs=0
and updated information at http://globaljusticeecology.org/pressroom.php?ID=646