Information on Crop Biotechnology

As an advocate of promoting sustainable, organic and/or ecologically-based production technologies in Hawaii since my arrival in 1991, I became skeptical of the relatively large crop biotechnology program at the UH-Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). During the mid-1990s when the biotech program in CTAHR went into full-swing I feld that the many resources being allocated (including new faculty hires) towards crop biotech research was being done at the expense of the more traditional applied-research programs. I felt that the more applied research programs were needed at CTAHR to continue to promote the expansion of diversified agriculture in the state, help struggling family farms in this period of transition for the state, and in general for the college to continue to meet its mandate as part of a major land grant university.

Below are some talks, and articles that I have given or written, critical of the open-field testing of genetically modified crops in the Hawaii.

What is wrong with crop biotechnology in Hawaii, Leeward Community College 2009

Short Video clip of talk: What is wrong with crop biotechnology 2009

Testimony given in support of GM taro research moratorium 2008

Conflict of Interest, ties between University and Corporations, talk 2008.

Talk given to HOFA, Hawaii Organic Farmers Association Annual Meeting, 2003.

Testimony given in Maui on September 2003.

Papaya contamination Commentary October, 2004.

Philosophical Issues, Presentation (WEB Cast) 2005

Environmental Risks, Presentation (WEB Cast) 2005

Health Risks, Presentation (WEB Cast) 2005