Public dialogue on GMOs scheduled for June 7 at the University of Guelph

Jun 02, 2017

A screening of FOOD EVOLUTION will be part of the evening

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

The University of Guelph is hosting a panel discussion with some of the world’s brightest agricultural minds on June 7.

A Public Dialogue on GMOs – Food, Farming and Ethics will feature the following speakers:

Dr. Alison van Eenennaam
Van Eenennaam researches the use of DNA-based biotechnologies in beef cattle production and agricultural systems. She’s based at the University of California, Davis.

Mark Lynas
A part of the Alliance for Science at Cornell University, Lynas is involved with the introduction of GMO crops to the developing world to help reduce pesticide use.

Dr. Kevin Folta
From the University of Florida, Folta’s areas of research include plant transformation and the functional genomics of small fruit crops.

Hon. Adam Malima
Malima serves as chair of the Biotech Society of Tanzania and was the former deputy minister of agriculture.

Robert Wager
A professor at Vancouver Island University, Wager’s areas of interest include molecular biology and biochemistry.

Dr. C.S. Prakash
Representing Tuskegee University in Alabama, Prakash’s current research interest is the genomics of crop plants.

In addition to the panel of speakers, attendees will be treated to the Canadian debut screening of FOOD EVOLUTION, a documentary that explores the debate for and against GMOs, and features some of the panelists.

FOOD EVOLUTION (2017)
Do alternative facts and fake news enrage you as much when the topic is ... food? Food Evolution Movie in theaters begining 6.23.17.
Posted by Food Evolution Movie on Wednesday, 10 May 2017

The event runs on June 7 at the University of Guelph’s Thornbrough Building, room 1200.

The event begins at 7:30. Anyone interested in attending can purchase tickets online. Attendees can also purchase at the door, if they’ve preregistered by email at MATT@FARMFOODCARE.ORG.

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.