Radcliffe Institute To Host Conference on Genetically Engineered Food

The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study is tackling the controversial issue of genetically engineered food by hosting a one-day conference titled, “Genetically Modified Foods: Should You Be Concerned?”

Co-sponsored by the Radcliffe Seminars and Oldways Preservation & Exchange Trust, the conference, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 12, will convene international experts to present a range of views and information about genetic modification of foods, allowing participants to draw their own conclusions.

“Whether people are concerned with food policy and international trade or are trying to make sound personal decisions about food choices and family nutrition, this conference will help participants understand the genetic modification of food,” said Phyllis Strimling, director of the Radcliffe Seminars. “We are very pleased to partner with Oldways Preservation & Exchange Trust in presenting this program, with its wide array of presenters.”

The conference will begin at 9 a.m. with keynote addresses by Tim Lang of the Thames University Institute of Food Policy, and Richard Frank, managing partner of Olsson, Frank & Weeda, a Washington, D.C., law firm. Following lunch, a panel of six additional experts will further explore issues such as food classification standards, the difference between genetic diversity and biodiversity in the food supply, and issues of specific concern to women.

“It is quite clear now that gene alteration can plague us or empower us, and so we all need to be darn sure it’s the latter and not the former by learning how other thoughtful people are dealing with it,” said K. Dun Gifford, founder and president of Oldways Preservation & Exchange Trust.

The cost to attend the conference is $95, which includes lunch and briefing materials. For more information, contact the Radcliffe Seminars at (617) 495-8600.