JRE #655 – Kevin Folta

6/4/2015

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Kevin Folta, a scientist and GMO expert, delving into the complexities of GMO technology, its benefits, and the widespread misconceptions surrounding it. Controversial topics include the role of Monsanto, the use of pesticides, and the potential risks of GMOs. Underlying themes explore the importance of science literacy, the dangers of fear-mongering, and the ethical considerations of modifying food sources.

Major Topics

1. The Misunderstood Nature of GMOs
   • GMOs are often portrayed in a negative light, but they are essentially just a more precise form of plant genetic improvement that humans have been doing for thousands of years.
   • The term GMO is often used as a pejorative term, confusing the public about the technology itself.
   • Everything we eat today, including organic foods, has been modified in some way, whether through natural selection or intentional breeding.
   • GMO technology offers the potential for increased food production, better nutrition, and reduced pesticide use.
2. Monsanto and the Controversy Surrounding GMOs
   • Monsanto, a major player in the GMO industry, has a reputation for aggressive business practices and a history of controversial actions.
   • The company’s use of terminator seeds, which prevent farmers from replanting seeds, has been a point of contention.
   • Monsanto has been accused of suing farmers who have unknowingly grown their patented crops.
   • Despite the controversy, Monsanto also plays a role in providing farmers with improved crops and technologies.
3. The Role of Plant Breeding and Licensing Agreements
   • Plant breeders, whether working for universities or private companies, invest significant time and resources to develop new varieties.
   • Licensing agreements are used to protect these investments, preventing farmers from illegally propagating new varieties.
   • This practice has been in place for decades, even before GMO technology was developed.
   • The goal is to ensure that farmers have access to the best possible varieties while protecting the investments of breeders.
4. The Science Behind GMOs and Public Perception
   • GMOs are subject to rigorous testing before being introduced to the market, including safety testing for humans and the environment.
   • There is no scientific evidence to support claims that GMOs cause cancer, autism, or other health problems.
   • GMO technology has been used to create life-saving medications like insulin and to improve food production.
   • Public perception of GMOs is often clouded by misinformation, fear-mongering, and a distrust of corporations.
5. Addressing Concerns About GMO Safety and Ethical Considerations
   • While the potential for unforeseen consequences from GMOs exists, the benefits outweigh the risks.
   • The public needs to be better educated about the science behind GMOs and the rigorous testing process they undergo.
   • Ethical concerns regarding corporate control over food production and the potential for exploitation should be addressed.
   • Transparent communication, open research, and public engagement are crucial for building trust in GMO technology.
6. The Importance of Funding Public Science
   • Publicly funded science plays a vital role in developing solutions to global challenges, including food security and environmental sustainability.
   • Funding for public science has been declining, leading to a decrease in research and a loss of talented scientists.
   • Public scientists are often perceived as being in the pocket of corporations, which is a misconception.
   • Increased funding for public science is essential for ensuring the ethical and responsible development of GMO technology.
7. The Role of Education and Communication
   • Educating the public about science is crucial for fostering informed decision-making and combatting misinformation.
   • Scientists need to communicate their research in a clear and accessible way to engage the public.
   • Engaging with audiences who have concerns about GMOs is crucial for building trust and understanding.
   • Open dialogue and transparent communication are essential for addressing the ethical and societal implications of GMO technology.
8. The Future of GMOs and Food Production
   • GMO technology has the potential to play a significant role in addressing global food security, climate change, and other challenges.
   • Continued research and innovation in GMOs can lead to more nutritious, resilient, and sustainable food systems.
   • Public engagement and collaboration are necessary for navigating the ethical and societal considerations of GMO technology.
   • The future of GMOs lies in a responsible and transparent approach that prioritizes public good and benefits all of humanity.
9. The Ethical Implications of Animal Testing and Zoos
   • The use of animals in scientific research raises ethical questions about the treatment of animals and the value of human life.
   • The confinement of animals in zoos can be considered cruel and unnatural, especially for intelligent animals like primates and whales.
   • There is a debate about the role of zoos in education and conservation, and whether they can be ethical or not.
   • Continued research and innovation in alternative methods for scientific research and ethical zoological practices are needed.
10. The Unnaturalness of Modern Agriculture
    • Modern agriculture is a human-driven system that has fundamentally altered the natural world.
    • The majority of the crops we eat today are not native to North America and have been brought from different parts of the world.
    • This intentional manipulation of plant genetics and the creation of artificial landscapes raises ethical considerations about the impact on the environment and biodiversity.
    • A more sustainable and responsible approach to agriculture is needed that considers the long-term consequences of human intervention.
11. The Importance of Science Literacy and Critical Thinking
    • The public needs to be better equipped with scientific literacy to make informed decisions about issues like GMOs.
    • Critical thinking is essential for evaluating information and discerning fact from fiction.
    • Social media and the internet have become breeding grounds for misinformation and conspiracy theories.
    • Encouraging scientific curiosity and critical thinking in children is essential for creating a more informed and engaged society.
12. The Role of Science in Solving Global Challenges
    • Science has the potential to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, including food security, climate change, and disease.
    • GMO technology is a powerful tool that can be used to improve food production and sustainability.
    • Open collaboration and communication between scientists, policymakers, and the public are crucial for harnessing the power of science.
    • Investing in research and innovation is essential for developing solutions to the challenges facing humanity.

Memorable Quotes

• “The GMO thing is so frustrating because we’re so down in the Monsanto noise, and we’re so in the noise that we have solutions that we can’t use.”
• “Farmers have adopted the GM technologies faster than cellphones. I mean, these were these went from 0 to 95% of acreage in just a couple years for 5 crops.”
• “There has not been one case of one single health effect that’s been attributed to this. So it looks like it’s I mean, in my perspective, this has gotta these are some of the safest products in the history of humans that there’s and”
• “We’re being handcuffed by an irrational fear of a good technology.”
• “I think that when we see unethical behavior, when we see let’s say, interpretations of data, which suggests that maybe we’re going the wrong way. These things are caught in the peer review process. These things are caught when our grants are evaluated, and they’re debated in the scientific literature.”