Campus News

UK Ag to Host Discussion on Benefits, Safety of GMO Crops Oct. 17

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2016)  Today’s crops, which are grown for both food and non-food uses, are bred for better field performance, such as resistance to insect pests and diseases. In some cases, certain crop improvements are the result of many years of scientific research leading to the development of genetically modified crops, commonly referred to as GMO (genetically modified organisms) crops.

This year, University of Kentucky Extension Professor of Plant Pathology and UK’s Coordinator of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) Paul Vincelli, is leading an effort designed to further educate UK students, faculty, staff and the greater community about GMO crops.

In recent years, Vincelli hosted scientists who were skeptical about the safety of certain GMO crops.

On Monday, Oct. 17, a pair of leading industry scientists will give their side of the story. The program, titled “A Question and Answer Session on the Benefits and Safety of GMO Crops,” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in room 321 of the new Don & Cathy Jacobs Science Building at UK.

John Vicini and Jay Petrick, scientists with the Monsanto Corporation, will make a short presentation to begin the forum, followed by a Q-&A session.

“These gentlemen are scientists, and as a scientist myself, I appreciate their willingness to discuss this controversial issue and answer questions in a public setting,” Vincelli said. “Sharing data and examining a topic from different perspectives sheds more light on an issue, which in turn makes all of us more effective citizens, better able to make informed decisions.”

Admission to the event is free. Parking will be available in Parking Structure # 2, located on Rose Street, alongside the Jacobs Science Building.

 

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MEDIA CONTACT: Carl Nathe, 859-257-3200; carl.nathe@uky.edu