Public Education about Genetically Engineered Plants
CALS Impact Statement
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Overview
abstract
To help educate New Yorkers and others about genetic engineering in plants, I have presented lectures, co-authored a discussion guide, and served as a resource for discussion of this issue among farmers, consumers, policy-makers, and the general public.
Genetically engineered crop varieties have become a topic of considerable public controversy. Many researchers view genetic engineering as a wonderful tool to develop more productive, nutritious, and environmentally-friendly varieties. Some farmers have eagerly adopted genetically engineered varieties and highly value the benefits they provide. However, public concern about genetic engineering continues in the US. People from many parts of the food system are worried by this technology and their concerns are being translated into legislative actions to ban or restrict genetically engineered crops. There is an urgent need for understandable scientific information about this technology and for forums allowing balanced public debate about the ways in which it is used.
response
An educational effort including written resources (particularly a discussion guide titled “Genetic Engineering of Plants: Research, Rhetoric, and Reality”), presentations, and discussions has been conducted over the past several years. The focus has been on the science underlying genetic engineering, what we know and what we don`t know about this technology, the case-specific nature of associated risks and benefits, and the types of concerns people have about genetic engineering. This effort has reached diverse audiences, including legislators, policy-makers, agricultural industry professionals, extension educators, scientific news reporters, diverse groups of farmers, registered dieticians, Master Gardener volunteers, church groups, university faculty members, students, and the general public. The goals of this educational effort have been to present the science clearly and simply so that people truly understand the technology of genetic engineering, and to help people understand the basis for others` viewpoints about genetically engineered crops in order to create some common ground for constructive public discussion of risks, benefits, and concerns.
impact assessment
To date, I have presented to over 2,700 people on this topic. Audience members have expressed appreciation for the "clear, well presented explanation of agricultural biotechnology" and the "informative, lucid, well-balanced discussion of the issues.” A Cornell student said “[She] presented one of the most balanced and well informed and interesting discussions on the topic of genetically engineered foods I have heard.” A farmer noted that the information had "stimulated farmers to think about issues they don`t always like to or remember to consider." Our NRAES-published genetic engineering discussion guide was described as “Food for Thought: New Guide Encourages Dialogue on Biotechnology Issues.” I was invited to address the New York and Vermont legislatures as they debated genetic engineering bills, and to review two recent scientific assessments: the National Academies’ publication “Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods: Approaches to Assessing Unintended Health Effects” and the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation’s publication “Maize and Biodiversity: The Effects of Transgenic Maize in Mexico.” Feedback indicates that people have a greater understanding of genetic engineering, a sense of the case-specific nature of its risks and benefits, and an appreciation for the reasons underlying diverse viewpoints on this topic. This effort has provided an improved basis for public discussion of issues surrounding genetic engineering in crop plants.
