Labels and Learning

The poster presentations went far beyond what I expected and turned out to be a great cap to the semesters work and stimulated a great discussion. I am really looking forward to more of the same this coming week. The three posters presented both had a large focus on the players behind the science, and who and what sides were being represented (as did the previous background reports). The supporters of science have often drawn controversy regarding their public relations. The recent debate regarding GMO labeling is an excellent example of the poor public relations biotech companies like Monsanto and Cargill exhibit. GMOs used in food production are controversial for reasons we all know. The prevalence of this science means that the public is going to be exposed to it. People have the right to know what they are consuming and putting in their bodies. The biotech companies possess a monopoly over the food industry and make the opaque qualities of their business practices acceptable.

Some of the fears associated with GMOs almost seem like a correlation between fears associated with the companies that produce this frankenfood. Biotech companies are often thought of as uncontrollable or mysterious. Not much is known about them, their business practices, or even the real ingredients in their food. Stigmas that the companies possess are projected onto the GMOs in their food. People become worried and apprehensive of these organisms. Companies like Monsanto who threaten to sue entire states like Vermont over mandating required labeling of GMO products is likely to scare people away from the idea of GMOs. In reality, people need to be educated and informed of the presence of GMOs in society. Being on the ground breaking edge of science, people will need to realize that GMOs still have a long way to come. Like with pesticides in the past, it is likely that GMOs will be shown to have some negative effects. This is yet another reason why GMO labeling is necessary. Personally, I believe that GMOs requiring labels is actually advantageous in the battle for GMO acceptance.

The recent trend of organic is familiar to most of us. Many people, however, do not know the actual definition of what organic actually is. Recently there has been more information and clarity on what organic consists of. The same process could be applied to GMFs. Educating people on GMOs is the first and most necessary step.