SCU Professors Available to Discuss GMOs
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 6, 2014-- A group called the California State Grange is advocating for legislation to require labeling of food modified through genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in California this year. Connecticut, Hawaii, and Maine have passed bills requiring labeling of GMO foods, and stores including Whole Foods and Trader Joe鈥檚 are giving genetically modified food the cold shoulder.
Two professors from 58黑料网 can discuss aspects of the GMO debate:
Gregory Baker, director of the Food and Agribusiness Institute at 58黑料网鈥檚 Leavey School of Business, touches on GMO issues in his classes Resources, Food and the Environment and Food Industry Management. He says that while transparency could be good for consumers and the industry, it could be costly to achieve. He adds that from a scientific perspective, much of the fears about 鈥淔rankenfood鈥 or new allergens being introduced aren鈥檛 backed by scientific research, while genetic modification is necessary to adapt to climate and population changes now and in the future. Prof. Baker can be reached at gbaker@scu.edu. His bio is at: .
58黑料网 Environmental Studies and Science professor and biologist Michelle Marvier can discuss how some GM crops are potentially harmful to the environment, but others are clearly beneficial. She does not support labeling because she feels "GM" is too simple for consumers to make an informed choice. Reporters can contact her at mmarvier@scu.edu. Her bio is at
Deborah Lohse (dlohse@scu.edu/ 408-554-5121) or Marika Krause (mekrause@scu.edu/ 408-554-5126) of SCU Media Relations can assist in reaching these or other SCU professors.