Don M. Huber, a plant scientist at the center of what many
media organizations have described as the debate over “Frankenfoods,” will be
the featured speaker at a series of FAMU educational awareness sessions.
Huber, a professor emeritus of plant pathology at Purdue
University, has shaken the agricultural industry with his warning about the
human health risks posed by genetically-modified seeds such as “Roundup Ready”
corn and soybeans. The seeds, sold by agribusiness giant Monsanto, are genetically-engineered
to resist the chemicals in the “Roundup” herbicide sold by the same company.
According to a 2011 letter Huber sent to U.S. Secretary of
Agriculture Tom Vilsack, research findings suggest a possible link between a pathogen
found in Roundup Ready seeds and “the escalating frequency of infertility and
spontaneous abortions over the past few years in U.S. cattle, dairy, swine, and
horse operations.”
Monsanto continues to stand by its claim that all of its products are safe.
Monsanto continues to stand by its claim that all of its products are safe.
Huber will discuss “The Impact of Glyphosate and [Genetically Modified Organisms] on the Food Supply and Human Health: Best Management Practices,” today and tomorrow. The sessions at which Huber will speak are sponsored by the FAMU Statewide Small Farm Program, FAMU Center for Biological Control, Ekanlaunee Seed Exchange, and Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers (FOG).
The featured speaker holds a B.S. (1957) and M.S. from the
University of Idaho and earned his Ph.D. (1963) from Michigan State University.