February 09, 2023

GLP podcast and video: Universities host anti-science quack Vandana Shiva (again); Communist Cuba is pro-GMO; 1 year of ‘bioengineered’ food labels

39 minutes

Dozens of researchers recently blasted two universities for inviting anti-vaccine, anti-GMO activist Vandana Shiva to speak. Why do America's academic institutions keep giving her a platform? Progressives who oppose crop biotech should consider Cuba's stance on the issue. The tiny communist nation is a biotechnology powerhouse. We've had labels on 'bioengineered' foods for a year now. How have consumers reacted to this labeling policy? Have they even noticed?

Podcast:

Video:

Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 204 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

* 50+ scientists challenge Boston College, Florida International for hosting philosopher Vandana Shiva, disseminator of science disinformation on vaccines and crop biotechnology

Vandana Shiva is a long-time proponent of unscientific nonsense when it comes to crop biotechnology and vaccines. She played a key role in convincing Sri Lanka to ban synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, sparking food shortages and riots around the country last year. Despite her shameful track record, Shiva continues to receive invitations (and hefty honorariums) to speak at American universities. The science community has voiced its opposition to this state of affairs, but to no avail. Why are institutions of higher learning promoting Shiva's messaging, especially while they complain about other types of "misinformation" in the public square?

* Viewpoint: Why leftist GMO rejectionists should take notice of Cuba’s emergence as biomedicine and ag-biotech innovator

Driven by concerns about corporate control of food, opposition to crop biotechnology is a characteristically progressive cause. But one scientist from Latin America says this anti-capitalist pose need not push the left to oppose genetic engineering. Cuba, he notes, is one of the few remaining communist countries in the world, as well as something of a leader in agricultural and biomedical research. Can Cuba's success with biotechnology shift the public discourse around GMOs?

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* It’s been 1 year since the FDA required labels for food made with genetically modified crops. How have consumers reacted?

Many products in US grocery stores have carried USDA 'bioen...

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By Cameron English

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