A study on genetically modified organisms and genetic engineering of plants, seeds, and other food products.
Meeting
The meeting on GMOs for the LWVUS Agriculture Update Study took place on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the Cabral Ag Center, Assembly Room 3, at 2101 E. Earhart Ave, Stockton. The forum was free and open to the public.
Speakers
Speaker #1: Dr. Kent J. Bradford is a Professor in the Dept of Plant Sciences at the University of California, Davis. He earned a B.S. degree in Biochemistry, and M.S. degree in Horticulture from Michigan State University and his Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from UC, Davis. He joined the faculty at UC, Davis in 1982. In 1999 he founded the UC Davis Seed Biotechnology Center and continues to serve as its Director.
Dr. Bradford's research has spanned diverse areas of seed science. He has published numerous articles and worked with colleagues in the research areas of seed development, seed longevity and related topics. As Director of the Seed Biotechnology Center he supports the creation and commercialization of new technologies to improve crop performance, quality and sustainability and the continuing education of plant breeders and seed industry professionals.
Speaker #2: Ms. Charity Kenyon serves as the Slow Food USA Governor for the Central Valley of California. Ms. Kenyon is a 1977 graduate of UC Davis School of Law. She retired in 2012 from her law practice and now pursues a lifelong interest in environmental protection and gardening. She joined Slow Food Sacramento in 2003 and has served with this organization in many leadership capacities. Since July 2011, Ms Kenyon has served as the Slow Food USA Governor or the Central Valley of California, Chair of the Policy Committee of the Slow Food California region and since 2012 she has served as an International Councilor representing Slow Food USA. She along with other regional Slow Food Governors spearheaded Slow Food advocacy on the Farm Bill and against genetically engineered foods and seeds.
Ms. Kenyon and her husband own Kingbird Farms in Southern Sacramento County where they grow fruits, vegetables and several Ark of Taste varieties for a CSA and for one of Sacramento's leading restaurants as well as the local food bank. The Farm is a WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) site that hosts young people from around the globe who are eager to learn more about organic growing techniques.
