Seeds of Change 2013 Recap: Sustainable Agriculture: Organic, GMOs and Food Security

On Thursday, June 13, 2013, the Danforth Center hosted its fourth annual Seeds of Change program. This year’s presenter was former anti-GMO advocate, British environmentalist, journalist, and author, Mark Lynas.

Mark has written extensively on the impact of climate change, and has served as visiting research associate at Oxford University’s School of Geography and the Environment. As a leading voice on climate change policy, he is a strong advocate for the use of science and technology to preserve our environment and feed our growing population. He is a former anti-GMO advocate whose position changed to acceptance when he applied rigorous scientific analysis to understanding risks and benefits.

To view the video of the program, click here.

“In the case of Mark Lynas, he’s taken a very interesting and positive position on the usage of technology for plant improvement, and it’s a turnabout from past views,” Dr. Paul Anderson, the Danforth Center’s Executive Director of International Programs, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “And it came about from a better understanding of science and how it works. Once he gained that, he gained new perspective.”

Dr. Jim Carrington, President of the Danforth Center  told the St. Louis Beacon, “We’re not taking a position advocating for a particular viewpoint or technology when it relates to solving a problem,” “We’re interested in solving the problem.”

Following the presentation, Danforth Leadership Council member, Scott Bush moderated a discussion which was sponsored by JP Morgan. Danforth Center’s Leadership Council presented the Seeds of Change program which is designed to bring together visionary people to explore new ways of working together to promote positive regional change.

View the Danforth Center’s Advancements in Global Agriculture infographic.

To view the full article, click here.