Tackling complex issues in the media: the example of genetically modified crops

Genetically modified crops, also called transgenic plants or GMO, have been in existence for over thirty years and have been used in agriculture for more than twenty years. They now represent more than 12% of the land cultivated globally and they are one of the main topics of media discussion about agriculture. Despite the extensive media coverage, however, opinions on this subject seem to be based more on political and ideological elements than on knowledge of the crops themselves and of the motivations that lead to scientists producing them and to farmers growing them. In this session the world of science and the world of media will try to clear the air.