Are GMOs safe? Deconstructing Supper explores the topic
In just over 47 minutes, “Deconstructing Supper” provides a valuable look at genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and how they stack up to organic farming practices. Restaurant owner and Chef John Bishop provides a calming voice as he explores his own journey into the questions about GMO foods, how they are created and what the alternatives are.
Unlike other documentaries featuring questions about the industry, Bishop was able to get inside a GMO trade show with his cameras and to interview someone from the GMO industry. Monsanto refused to be filmed for the documentary, which makes the section on their lawsuits and what they have done to farmers and journalists all the harder to swallow.
This film makes clear the difference between genetically modifying food and breeding. Breeding is done over the course of time using the same plant species. Corn is pollinated with corn, barley with barley and canola with canola. GMOs are created by mixing genes from different species into a plant. Fish, sorghum, and frog genes may be mixed in with corn to create GMO corn. The process is fascinating. It is clear that the person talking with Bishop believes that he is doing the right thing and that there are no problems with GMOs.
Bishop’s journey takes him to India where he learns that the growers who are using heirloom seeds and organic farming practices are producing more than farmers using GMO seeds and chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In the end, Bishop changes his restaurant to serve only organic foods and becomes a proponent for organic farming practices.
“Deconstructing Supper” is a good introduction to the problems associated with GMOs and the companies that make them.
Unlike other documentaries featuring questions about the industry, Bishop was able to get inside a GMO trade show with his cameras and to interview someone from the GMO industry. Monsanto refused to be filmed for the documentary, which makes the section on their lawsuits and what they have done to farmers and journalists all the harder to swallow.
This film makes clear the difference between genetically modifying food and breeding. Breeding is done over the course of time using the same plant species. Corn is pollinated with corn, barley with barley and canola with canola. GMOs are created by mixing genes from different species into a plant. Fish, sorghum, and frog genes may be mixed in with corn to create GMO corn. The process is fascinating. It is clear that the person talking with Bishop believes that he is doing the right thing and that there are no problems with GMOs.
Bishop’s journey takes him to India where he learns that the growers who are using heirloom seeds and organic farming practices are producing more than farmers using GMO seeds and chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In the end, Bishop changes his restaurant to serve only organic foods and becomes a proponent for organic farming practices.
“Deconstructing Supper” is a good introduction to the problems associated with GMOs and the companies that make them.