Big GMO Forum Coming to Tri-Cities February 3

It's been a hotbed of discussion, and controversy, for the last few decades.

A public forum on GMO's, or genetically modified organisms, will take place at The Reach auditorium, Tuesday February 3rd. The Reach is located at 1943 Columbia Park Trail in Richland.

During the forum, which begins at 5:30pm, Dr. Amit Dhingra of the Department of Horticulture at Washington State University will present positive and negative aspects of GMO's. GMO technology has roots back to the Egyptians, who selectively "bred" different plants together to create stronger strains of wheat, flowers and other common growth items.

Since 1976, GMO technology has been used to grow fruits, vegetable, flowers and other plants that are resistant to bugs, disease and other issues. However, critics say GMO technology is not necessarily safe for humans.

Monstanto, a world leader in GMO technology, will present biotechnology benefits, challenges facing farmers, public policy and upcoming challenges with the technology.

Dr. Dhingra will talk about cautionary concerns for GMO's from the standpoint of both the agricultural producr and the public.

For find out more about this public forum, call Kris Cargile at The Reach at (509)-943-4100.