Retired government research scientist Dr. Thierry Vrain, who once described himself as “the spokesperson on all matters relating to genetic engineering” has shifted his thinking on the subject and will be speaking on the issue at the The Lighthouse Community Centre Sept. 24.
When he retired 10 years ago after 30 years in the industry he was head of the department of biotechnology at a federal research centre in Summerland, where he said he “explained to all audiences that there was no possible danger or even controversy about growing or eating genetically engineered plants.”
“However since the genetically altered crops have taken over our food system, especially in the last few years, there has been a flurry of peer reviewed publications showing that GMOs fail to live up to their claims,” he said in a news release.
He said that according to the growing body of scientific literature, GMOs do not reduce the use of pesticides, do not increase yields, are not mild on the environment and are not safe to eat.
Vrain now owns Innisfree Farm in Courtenay. Check innisfreefarm.ca for more information. The lecture is at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24 at The Lighthouse Community Centre, 240 Lion’s Way, Bowser.