The Debaters
Joel Brooks grew up in the Okanagan, and spent his summers working in local tree fruit
orchards and packing operations. He’s now the Marketing Communications Specialist
at Okanagan Specialty Fruits, a grower-led biotechnology company based in
Summerland that has developed the nonbrowning Arctic® apple.
Robert Wager has been a member of the Biology Department at Vancouver Island University
for the past 18 years and has a BSc. in Microbiology and a Masters in Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology. An independent scientist, Robert is passionate about providing accurate,
fact-based information for the sake of education, rather than compensation.
Theirry Vrain: Dr. Thierry Vrain grew up in France and after moving to Canada, graduated from North
Carolina State University with a PhD in Plant Pathology. During his 30-year career as a soil biologist and
genetic engineer, Dr. Vrain worked for Agriculture Canada where he managed research programs,
provided leadership for scientific committees and organizations, evaluated scientific manuscripts, and
provided technical expertise to governments and universities in Canada and abroad.
Dr. Kent Mullinix is Director- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security - in Kwantlen Polytechnic
University’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems. Before Kwantlen, Kent held the Endowed Joint
Chair in Pomology and was Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture and Landscape
Architecture, Washington State University, as well as Professor and Director of Agriculture Programs at
Wenatchee Valley College. Kent is a horticulture research specialist (fruit and nut crops). His scholarly
work includes development of ecologically sound, human intensive horticulture food crop production
methods, development of bio-regional agri-food systems, and family-based agriculture revitalization as
a critical element of sustainable agriculture and community.
What are GMOs?
GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are the result of a laboratory process of
taking genes from one species and inserting them into another species in an
attempt to obtain a desired trait or characteristic: they are also known as
"transgenic organisms." This process may be called either genetic engineering (GE)
or genetic modification (GM).
Genetic engineering is quite distinct from selective breeding. Whereas selective
breeding occurs through mating or cross pollinating two somewhat similar
organisms, genetic engineering uses transgenic or recombinant DNA technology
to transfer genes across species.
The debate about GMO’s has many factors to consider. There are undoubtedly
potential benefits and potential risks. Balancing the two is a matter of personal choice,
however this is only possible if the public has access to the information they need to
make informed decisions.
http://www.cowichangreencommunity.org/GMO
Q.1. IS IT SAFE?
Food Literacy/ Food Democracy / Food Security:
Competing philosophies?
Science / Liberalism (Cdn/UK) / Social
Democracy (EU) / Conservatism
IS THERE A MIDDLE GROUND?
Q.2 IS IT NECESSARY?
ECONOMICS & THE ERADICATION OF WORLD
HUNGER
Production – vs - Access
FOOD GLUTS ARE 2nd ONLY TO MASSIVE CROP
FAILURE ON THE ROAD TO FINANCIAL DISASTER
Q.3. Is it Sustainable?
How does it build SustainAble Communities?
LAND
FOOD
COMMUNITY
There should never be a time when someone
eats ice cream and someone else starves to
death. It can be prevented through sustainable
farming practices
And in the end…
OXFORD UNION DEBATE 14th June 1999
The Motion: “This house would not continue to feed GM
material to farm animals”
For:
Dr. Arpad Pusztai, Biotech Scientist, formerly Rowett Institute
John Ingham, Environment Correspondent, Daily Express
Norman baker, MP
Against:
Professor Derek Burke CBE, Former Chair, Advisory Panel Novel Foods &
Processes
Harry Kershaw, MD AgrEvo UK Ltd.
Dr. Sandy Thomas, Director, Nuffield College on Bioethics
The motion was won: 478 for – 207 against
Nature revealed: Biodiversity in 3D:
Greg Asner at TEDGlobal 2013
Technology is absolutely critical to managing
our planet, but even more important is the
understanding and wisdom to apply it.