It is becoming harder to have a civil dialogue on the pros and cons of agricultural biotechnology. He also acknowledged that the debate about biotechnology is difficult because agricultural scientists and consumer activists often do not see eye to eye. Sometimes when people discuss biotechnology they may not really be discussing the techniques of moving a gene from one plant to another. More often it seems people are debating something about the way they see the world or want it to be. Other Cornell agriculture professors support agricultural bioengineering.
Some proponents dismiss concerns about bioengineered food.
Opponents fear not only possible health hazards from the engineered produce itself, but also from the crops' pollen, which could contaminate both organic and conventional crops. Others worry that pests will develop resistance to bioengineered crops while non-targeted organisms fall victim to them. Bjorkman believes that the public's concerns are valid, and deserve acknowledgment from scientists. The deployment of genetically engineered food, like other technological advances, must take into account wider social, economic and biological impacts. In some areas, action has already been taken against the products.