GMOs in our food system are most likely here to stay, and with the increase of new products on the market comes a corresponding increase in the public’s need for knowledge and information about those products. Penn State Cooperative Extension is playing an active role in disseminating information about genetically engineered plants and the introduction of GE products into our food system. Faculty members have developed and presented in-services for extension agents to help them understand current issues surrounding GE foods, so they in turn can educate the people they work with across the Commonwealth.

Held in March 2001, “Genetic Engineering in Plants: Scientific and Social Basis for Understanding the Controversy” was presented to about 65 cooperative extension agents. The workshop addressed topics such as the scientific basis for genetic engineering, GE technologies in current use, the regulatory system, and consumer concerns and viewpoints. Speakers from the Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration were also featured.

Other recent in-services included an introduction to GE and plant food production, featuring hands-on activities that agents could use to teach consumers about GE, and a workshop focusing on the science of GE as well as recent results of consumer surveys about perceptions of GE foods.

The college also maintains a biotechnology Web site (biotech.cas.psu.edu) to help Pennsylvanians understand the issues and science surrounding GE in agriculture. Visitors to the site will find perspectives from Penn State faculty; articles from other universities, science institutions, and biotechnology industries; editorials from around the world; and a wealth of scientific information to help consumers, farmers, and citizens make informed decisions.