Source: NC BIOTECH, 8/19/17

Date: October 5, 2017  
Location: Carolina Theatre, Durham
Focus:  "Food Evolution" explores the continued controversy around genetic modification and food, wrestling with public emotion and the science behind food safety arguments today. Following the film, hear multiple perspectives around this debate from a panel including the film director, a well-known scientist, local farmer and chef. This event is hosted by NCBiotech and GMO Answers.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center, in collaboration with GMO Answers, is excited to host the North Carolina film premiere of "Food Evolution." Amidst a brutally polarized debate marked by passion, suspicion and confusion, this film explores the controversy surrounding GMOs and food safety.

Traveling from Hawaiian papaya groves to banana farms in Uganda to the cornfields of Iowa, "Food Evolution," narrated by renowned astrophysicist and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson, wrestles with the emotions and the science driving one of the most heated arguments of our time.

In a state where agriculture and life sciences are the leading industries, this universal conversation can have great impact. With five of the six global ag biotech giants housed and/or headquartered in N.C., the science is ever present for us, but sadly myths still seem to prevail around the globe.

Open to the public, this event is for anyone who has ever had an interest in better understanding where their food originates, the challenges faced with an ever growing population, the technologies that are working to support this population change, and why GMOs and "organic" are not mutually exclusive. Following the film, we will offer a panel consisting of a scientist, a farmer, a chef and the director. Hear their viewpoints and have the opportunity to ask your questions.

Agenda:
5 p.m.           Check-in / Networking Reception
6:30 p.m.      Welcome and Introductions:
• Michelle VonCannon, AgBiotech Program & Event Manager, NCBiotech
• Lynda Loveland, Anchor/Reporter, WRAL/Fox 50 News (invited)
• Asst. Commissioner Richard Reich, N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (invited)

6:45 p.m.      Film presentation: Food Evolution
8:15 p.m.      Panel with Q&A:            
• Moderator: Lynda Loveland (invited) 
• Kevin Folta, Ph.D., Professor and Chairman, Horticultural Sciences Dept., University of Florida
• Scott Hamilton Kennedy, Director, Food Evolution
• N.C. farmer (invited)
• N.C. chef (invited)
Registration:
Registration will open August 23.