Pollinators in a Genetically Modified World
with
Dr. Mark L. Winston
Simon Fraser University
Genetically modified (GM) crops are becoming increasingly important for
pest control, but have spawned unusually charged disputes because of concerns
about possible side effects on human and environmental health. Dr. Mark
Winston has been studying the impact of these crops on beneficial organisms
such as bees, which are essential to pollinate many Canadian fruit, berry,
vegetable, and oilseed crops but could be particularly vulnerable because
they feed on the nectar and pollen produced by bioengineered plants. He
will describe how GM crops are constructed and implemented for pest management,
summarize findings concerning their environmental impact, and discuss
the likelihood that genes from GM plants will jump to conventional crops
and natural vegetation due to bee pollination. Dr. Winston also will explore
how we can incorporate science-based risk assessments into developing
regulatory policies that appropriately balance environmental protection
and pest management.
Mark L. Winston is Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences,
Simon Fraser University and a Fellow in the Morris J. Wosk Centre for
Dialogue. He is the author of Travels in the Genetically Modified Zone,
published in June by Harvard University Press.
(For more info on his new book, visit www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog/WINTRA.html)
Simultaneous translation will be provided.
Co-Sponsors:
--the Speaker of the Senate, the Hon. Daniel Hays
--the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Hon. Peter Milliken
--Partnership Group for Science and Engineering (PAGSE)
--NSERC
DATE: Thursday, October 24, 2002 from 7:30 am - 9:00 am
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