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A government-funded documentary is issuing a call to action to farmers to dispel myths among city folk about the dangers of foods containing genetically-modified organisms.
The 30-minute film titled License to Farm, released online on Jan. 15, is being heralded as a weapon to combat the anti-GMO movement, while also being criticized as insulting propaganda.
SaskCanola, an industry group that represents the province’s 26,000 canola growers, invested $150,000 — three-quarters of the cost — to produce the documentary.
It also solicited another $50,000 from the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan through their agriculture funding framework, Growing Forward2.
On its website, SaskCanola says the growing urban population is becoming further removed from the farm, and thus more ignorant about farming practices, but it says that urban population wields more power through social media.
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“Their misunderstandings and food fears are having an impact on governments and regulations,” the industry group warns. . .
Lucy Sharratt, coordinator for an umbrella group called Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, argues that tax dollars shouldn’t be used for a “clever public relations” video that pits farmers against consumers. . .
The License to Farm video is available for free online. SaskCanola hopes it can be introduced into classrooms across the country.
Read full, original post: Government funds video to help farmers combat anti-GMO movement
