Beer with a Scientist: Will GMO crops doom the planet or save it?

You may have heard about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) along with predictions of dire consequences for the planet or claims the technology is necessary to feed the Earth’s growing population. At the April edition of Beer with a Scientist, Paul Vincelli, PhD, professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, will set the record straight with peer-reviewed science. Vincelli will make the trip across I-64 to share his expertise on the scientific understanding of GMOs based on the substantial body of scientific literature. He will explain exactly what constitutes a genetically engineered crop, whether eating recombinant DNA is safe, and why scientists would want to change a plant’s genes in the first place. At UK, Vincelli serves as coordinator for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. He provides science-based outreach on risks and benefits of genetically engineered crops in Kentucky, the nation and internationally. The program begins at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13 at Against the Grain Brewery, 401 E. Main St. A 30-minute presentation will be followed by an informal Q&A session.