Biotech seminar set in Bangor Experts to debate effect on farms

BANGOR – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources will be hosting a major biotechnology conference in November to help answer the question: “Will this powerful technology save or irreparably harm American agriculture?”

The seminar, entitled “Farms, Food and the Future: Weighing the Facts on Biotechnology in Agriculture,” will be held Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Bangor Motor Inn Conference Center on Hogan Road.

Local and nationally renowned speakers will present topics such as how biotechnology works, how regulators oversee biotechnology and the views of opponents and proponents.

The daylong forum includes a hot luncheon buffet, debate between speakers and opportunities for questions.

Maine Agriculture Commissioner Robert Spear said in announcing the program: “Today’s Maine farmer faces a decision that will shape the future of agriculture: whether to embrace biotechnology. No doubt the use of biotechnology in agriculture is cultivating the concern of consumers as well as growers.

“Among the issues I hear throughout the state are questions about dietary risk, genetic pollution and economic sustainability for farmers. At the same time, the power of biotechnology promises crop varieties able to resist pests, tolerate inclement weather and even deliver enhanced nutrition. Risk versus benefit, myth versus fact – the outcome of this debate can determine confidence in the very food we eat.”

Speakers include Michael E. Vayda, professor, Department of Biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology, University of Maine, Orono; Margaret Jones, biotechnologist, Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Phil Hutton, manager, Microbial Pesticides Branch, Bio-Pesticides and Pollution Prevention Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Leonard Gianessi, program director and senior research associate, National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy; and Charles M. Benbrook, Benbrook Consultant Services, Sandpoint, Idaho.

The forum will be moderated by Evan Richert, associate research professor, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine.

Seating at the seminar is limited. To attend, send a check for $15 per person payable to Treasurer, State of Maine, to Commissioner’s Office, Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, State House Station 28, Augusta, ME 04333 no later than Nov. 7.