By Julie Tomascik
Editor
A new documentary digs into the science surrounding the heated debate of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The film, Food Evolution, is rooted in facts and based on scientific literature, but it also portrays viewpoints from anti-GMO activists.
“Science is on the side of GMOs, and more evidence continues to crop up in support of biotechnology,” Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) President Russell Boening said.
That technology, along with money and fake news surrounding GMOs, was explained in the film.
“The biggest tool that anti-GMO activists use is fear. That fear marketing is something we see every day. A lot of money is used in anti-GMO campaigns to scare consumers into buying those products,” Boening said. “This documentary shows the science behind our food in a way that anyone can understand, which helps to take away the fear factor.”
The film also shows farmers in other countries dealing with the fear of GMOs against the real threat of crop shortages.
Activists on both sides of the issue have screen time to defend their argument.
TFB hosted a screening of the film on Sept. 19. Waco-area community leaders, Baylor University professors and students, high school teachers and students, TFB state board of directors and area farmers were invited.
“I think it’s a film everyone should watch,” Boening said. “The facts and science in the movie are strong.”
After the film, a 30-minute panel discussion was held.
Boening, along with Julie Borlaug, who is vice president of Communications for Inari Agriculture, Inc., and Alan Lewis, director of Special Projects for Natural Grocers, answered questions and shared their perspectives on biotechnology.
Borlaug has spoken out against world hunger for years and sees biotechnology as a way to alleviate world hunger issues.
In his role with Natural Grocers, Lewis is focused on advocacy and special projects for the grocery store chain. The store markets natural and organic groceries, supplements and household products.
Prior to the movie, TFB polled the audience, asking if they believe GMO foods are safe. Eighty percent of the audience said yes, five percent said no and 15 percent were unsure.
After the movie and panel, 94 percent of the audience said GMO foods are safe and two percent still believed they are not. Four percent were unsure.
“GMOs is one of, if not the most polarizing, scientific topics,” Boening said. “But the technology has been proven safe and beneficial time and again. We just need more understanding and less fear-marketing, because we need all types of farming methods—organic and conventional—to supply food for our growing population.”
Food Evolution is available on iTunes, Amazon and Hulu.
Learn more about the movie at foodevolutionmovie.com.