11/16/2007: "Genetically Modified Organisms Forum"

The Agricultural Resources Committee (ARC) of San Juan County is sponsoring a public forum on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on Saturday, November 17, 2007 from 2-4 PM at the Mullis Senior Center in Friday Harbor.

A genetically modified organism is one that has had a piece or strand of foreign genetic material inserted into its genetic structure in an effort to change or supplement one or more of the plants’ traits. This process differs from traditional breeding in that it involves extracting selected genes from one organism (e.g. animals, plants, insects, bacteria) and/or viruses, and artificially inserting them into another completely different organism (e.g. food crops). Genetic engineering usually employs virus genes to smuggle in and promote the inserted genes, and antibiotic resistant bacteria to act as markers.

It would seem that this is a technology likely to be extensively debated, and rigorously researched and tested, a technology that the public should be clearly informed about. You might be surprised to know that, unless you eat only organic foods, you have been consuming genetically modified food crops for several years. Over 70% of products in the grocery store contain genetically modified ingredients. Do you know if adequate research and testing has been done? Do you think genetically modified ingredients should be labeled so that the public is allowed choice in what they eat?

Hear some different facets of the story on November 17.th

Forum speakers represent a range of perspectives and disciplines. Dr. John Gardner is the new Vice-President for Economic Development and Extension at Washington State University (WSU). Gardner earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a master’s in agronomy from Kansas State University and a doctoral degree in agronomy and crop physiology from the University of Nebraska. Gardner was one of the founders and the general manager/CEO of AgGrow Oils, which produced, processed and marketed specialty oilseeds.

Craig Winters is the founder and president of The Campaign, a non-profit political advocacy organization working to pass legislation to label genetically engineered foods. He was also founding president of Citizens For Health. Craig has been working in the natural products industry for 28 years and served as an instructor at Bastyr University from 1996-1999 where he taught nutrition students a course called "Nutrition in the Natural Products Industry." He has given hundreds of lectures and radio interviews on the issues surrounding genetically engineered foods, food irradiation, organic agriculture, holistic health and the environment.

The ARC invited these experts to speak to islanders about GMOs and to answer our questions in an effort to help us be more informed about this important subject.