While most people treat genetic engineering and organic agriculture as worlds apart, the green gene movement is trying to think beyond the polarization. According to Haro von Mogel, co-founder of Biology Fortified, Inc, the gulf between them constructs a false dichotomy.
“I find the whole debate between organic and genetic engineering to be artificial and contrived. Because organic is about the way you grow crops… Genetic engineering is about getting a trait into a crop that you didn’t have before. It actually doesn’t make sense to me that you couldn’t have a genetically engineered crop grow on an organic farm.”
In the complex politics of biotechnology the green gene movement walks a fine line. It tries to be independent; critical of any special interest whether it is large corporations or environmentalists. Mostly though, it is a movement about dialogue. Haro von Mogel’s sees his main missions as being a diplomat for science that gets opposing sides to talk to each other. When asked what he thinks people can do to change the polarized debates on GMOs, he makes a plea for understanding. “Don’t assume the other person is uncaring.”
Related on the SLP
Read the full, original article: At the Vanguard of the Green Gene Movement and Beyond
