The California Aggie Online is currently undergoing some research and development. Please bear with us as we work to provide a better web site for you. With the recent announcement of increased security patrols of campus crops, the UC Davis Police Department has taken an important step toward ensuring the safety of student research. In fall 1999, the underground environmental group Reclaim the Seeds sabotaged a number of crops in Northern California, including some at UCD and UC Berkeley. The attacks were called a protest against genetically modified food.
Researchers have a right to conduct their experiments free from fear and threats of violence.
UCD is, after all, a research institution. Moreover, cowardly acts of sabotage will not end research on genetically modified organisms. If Reclaim the Seeds truly feels that GMOs cannot be tolerated, it can take a more proactive approach in trying to stop their production. The thoughtless uprooting of plants will only anger researchers and draw the ire of law enforcement officials, all the while increasing the organization's reputation as a band of crazed eco-terrorists. If Reclaim the Seeds has a message, it should organize a peaceful protest or informational demonstration, explaining its viewpoints.