A/HRC/13/32 soil healthy, saves precious water, [and] is pest-free.” They developed organic farming methods that used not a single drop of irrigation or chemical fertilizers and pesticides, yet still delivered surplus produce. In addition to training women in over 70 villages to employ this type of farming, these women work with the Deccan Development Society to help women form women’s sanghams (associations) “that decide their own crops, set up community grain banks that collect surplus produce and sell it at lower than market rates to below-poverty-level members who have no lands, or have not managed to grown enough food.”45 C. Promoting clean agriculture: the fight against toxic foods and genetically modified seeds 64. Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants46 agreed to limit the use of harmful chemicals to “environmentally sound” purposes47 and prevent the production and use of pesticides or industrial chemicals with Persistent Organic Pollutants.48 International networks such as the Pesticide Action Network49 and the International Persistent Organic Pollutants Elimination Network50 have had a tremendous impact on curtailing the use of chemicals that harm the world’s food supply. 65. Efforts are also being made to control the use of genetically modified seeds. Japan made health testing of genetically modified foods mandatory by April 200151 and the implementation of genetically modified-free labels and Government regulations in countries such as Austria, Italy and Germany have already proved to be quite effective.52 In 2009, Ireland announced plans to ban the cultivation of genetically modified plants and introduce a voluntary genetically modified-free label for food53 and France announced that it would create voluntary “GMO-free” labelling schemes to help conventional agricultural producers to distinguish their produce in the market.54 Austria also submitted a proposal,55 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 18 A total of 5,000 women DDS are also part of their respective sanghams. See Keya Acharya, “Good food, Indian-Style,” India Together, 2009 (www.indiatogether.org/2009/mar/agr-ddsfood.htm). The Convention entered into force in May 2004. As at February 2009, it had 162 parties and 152 signatories. Such as using DDT only for malaria control. The Persistent Organic Pollutants Global Monitoring Programme was launched to develop guidance on sampling and analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants, QA/QC procedures, data treatment and communication, and data assessment. See www.pops.int/documents/convtext/convtext_en.pdf which includes an electronic discussion group on these pollutants` monitoring issues where existing programmes and laboratories participate and share their experience. See also www.chem.unep.ch/gmn/default.htm. It has over 600 participating institutions and individuals in more than 90 countries working to replace the use of hazardous pesticides with ecologically sound and socially just alternatives. See www.paninternational.org. It has more than 700 public interest organizations working together for the elimination of Persistent Organic Pollutants on an expedited yet socially equitable basis. See www.ipen.org. D. Whitman, “Genetically modified foods: harmful or helpful?”, ProQuest, l 2000 (www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php). Since Germany introduced its genetically modified -free “Ohne Gentechnik” label in May 2008 for meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy produce, sales of genetically modified-free milk have dramatically increased. GM-Free Ireland, press release, Ireland adopts GM-Free Zone Policy”, r 2009, (www.gmfreeireland.org/press/GMFI45.pdf). This includes meal, poultry, eggs, fish, crustaceans and dairy produce made without the use of genetically modified animal feed. The new High Council for Biotechnology of France submitted an opinion to the Government arguing for labelling standards that go beyond the EU framework and allow crop and livestock producers to