FOSEP, the Forum on Science, Ethics and Policy, is hosted by the Office of Research at the University of Washington, and run by a dedicated group of University of Washington graduate students. They recently sponsored a talk by Michael Rodemeyer of the Pew Initiative on Agricultural Biotechnology on genetically modified foods. The talk is now available online.

Talk details:

“Michael Rodemeyer, J.D.
Executive Director,
Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology

Frankenfood or Fearmongering?
The Science and Politics of Genetically Modified Foods

Friday, February 4, 2005

Last year, American farmers grew more genetically-modified (GM) crops than ever before. About 75% of the processed foods in U.S. stores are estimated to contain ingredients derived from GM crops. Concerns have been raised about food safety and environmental risks, the ethics of seed patenting, and economic impact of GM crops on small farmers. The controversy has spilled over into the international trade arena, leading to a U.S. trade complaint against the EU, where consumer opposition to biotech foods is strong.

Few technologies have generated so much global confusion and conflict as GM food. Why is this technology so controversial? The lecture will review the current state of science on GM crops and discuss the key role of values in shaping public attitudes and the different political responses to the technology around the world.”