public panel discussion on genetically engineered food

[bill london <london@moscow.com>]

Public Discussion of Genetically Engineered Food Planned at Moscow

 A public panel discussion about genetically-engineered foods is planned
for Thursday, March 28, 7pm to 9pm, sponsored by the Moscow Food Co-op
and Rural Roots.   This free discussion program will be held at the 1912
Building Community Center on Third Street in Moscow, according to Kenna
Eaton, Co-op manager.
 The four panelists leading the discussion include Steve Jones, a wheat
researcher from WSU; Phil Berger, UI Plant Science Professor; Jill
Davies, stream ecologist, organic gardener, food safety activist; and
Mark Hegg, a farmer from Palouse, Washington.  The discussion, moderated
by Moscow resident Charlie Powell, will begin with a 20minute
presentation by each of the panelists followed by an hour of questions
and answers.
 Eaton explained that the Moscow Food Co-op sponsored the discussion
because so few people understand genetically-engineered food.  A recent
survey showed that only a third of Americans are aware that
genetically-engineered food crops blanket one-forth of American
farmland, more than 90 million acres. Tests have detected
genetically-engineered food in fast foods, baby formulas, corn chips and
even veggie burgers.
But as more and more Americans discover the story behind and beyond
genetically-engineered food they are rapidly demanding something
different. For example, McDonalds, the world’s largest purchaser of
potatoes, bowing to public demand, declared they would no longer
purchase  “New Leaf” GE potatoes for their French fries.
The public panel discussion follows a meeting of members of the Moscow
Food Co-op.  Co-op members are welcome to share snacks and drinks at the
annual business meeting which begins at about 5:30pm at the 1912 Center.