In the near future, seed will be sold that will carry the promise of enhanced nutritional value for humans or have traits desirable for the production of raw materials and energy. Along with these opportunities also come risks. The risks fall into the broad categories of the environment, human health, society, and ethics. Over the past several years, volumes of material both for and against biotechnology have been written. Some of the information has been very good, while some has been very poor and misleading.
Surveys show that the general public has a limited knowledge of what biotechnology is really about.
I explain that decisions need to be made based on research and not the pocketbooks of large biotechnology companies or special interest groups who oppose its use. The presentation has been made to several community service groups, farm audiences, and a global studies class at Ripon College. If you know of a group that would like to hear this presentation, feel free to contact me at the UW-Extension office. Year after year, this continues to be the most highly attended Head Start activity. Five of six scheduled one-hour classes have been held, with 39 children and 40 adults attending.