Most of you know that I am passionate about beetles but may not realize that these interests are strictly avocational. Professionally Im a senior research entomologist at Monsanto Company working on insect-protected soybean. The use of biotechnology to create genetically modified (GM) crops is central to my work, and as such Ive kept a close watch on the debate that has surrounded these crops since they were first used almost 20 years ago. The debate hasnt always been civil or based on solid evidence, but recently the Intelligence Squared debate organization brought together four experts, two each representing the pro- and con- sides of using GM crops, to discuss GM crops in front of a live audience. The audience was polled both before and after the debate, and as might be expected the number of undecided audience members fell from 38 percent before the discussion to just 9 percent afterwards. What was really interesting to me, however, was that nearly all of this switch from undecided went to the pro-GM side; 32 percent before the discussion but 60 percent afterwards. It gives me confidence that, moving forward, consumers and the general public can recognize the great benefits and reduced impacts of GM crops when presented with balanced information. The discussion lasts nearly an hour but is lively and well worth the time. Grab a drink of your preference, kick up your feet, and watch the debate at YouTube in the link below.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 20:11:25 +0000
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