The crowds have been sparse but the discussion has been lively and challenging as we have traveled around Alberta talking to people about the challenges, issues, and ethics surrounding the increased use of biotechnology in livestock production.
In general the people we have talked to don't have the same fears about livestock biotechnology as they do about biotechnology as it is being applied to crops.This is most likely because the applications right now are to enhance or speed up the process of genetic selection and record keeping and not about manipulating the genetic makeup or introducing genes from other species. The conversations have generally come around to unintended consequences. if we can take any one note of caution away from the discussions, that would be it. Make sure we are looking for and measuring consequences and make sure the consumer knows that researchers have the public interest in mind.
In general the people we have talked to don't have the same fears about livestock biotechnology as they do about biotechnology as it is being applied to crops.This is most likely because the applications right now are to enhance or speed up the process of genetic selection and record keeping and not about manipulating the genetic makeup or introducing genes from other species. The conversations have generally come around to unintended consequences. if we can take any one note of caution away from the discussions, that would be it. Make sure we are looking for and measuring consequences and make sure the consumer knows that researchers have the public interest in mind.