Join concerned citizens of Wellington County and beyond as they delve into the issue of corporate interests in the food system.
In particular, a bird’s eye view of the debate surrounding the proposed commercial release of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa.
Many farmers don’t want it and many say it’s not needed.
Experts say the contamination risk is very high, and yet the company Forage Genetics International is still getting ready to release the GM seed any day, unless something is done.
On Nov. 6 at 7pm Slow Food Wellington County will host a talk with two guests at the Elora Legion on Metcalfe Street.
Lucy Sharratt from Ottawa, is one of the formative voices challenging the release of this technology as coordinator of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network.
Hear about the concerns and protests, and how GM alfalfa might affect the food system.
To bring the latest information on this issue from inside the research community, there will also be guest speaker Dr. Rene Van Acker from the University of Guelph.
Dr. Van Acker is one of Canada’s leading researchers on the science of GM contamination and has extensively studied the question of GM alfalfa contamination.
His role as the associate dean of the Ontario Agriculture College is also key in shaping how post-secondary institutions are contributing to the field of biotech, while reaching out to hear the thoughts and concerns of citizens.
Some voices from the farming community have been invited to talk and will be discussing how they feel about this new technology and give a platform for furthering this discussion with the people growing the food.
Suggested donation for entry is $10.
