Genome British Columbia is teaming up with the University of Northern BC to host “Bringing Genomics Home” in Prince George. Community members are encouraged to join the open discussion at The Exploration Place on Tuesday, January 28 for a balanced panel dialogue about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This educational forum will provide an opportunity for people to ask questions and develop a better understanding around GMOs.

Media Download: UNBC Researcher Partnership and Innovation Officer and event organizer Garth Frizzell (right) with Prince George farmer John Ryser and local produce at the University Farmers' Market at UNBC.

“Every day we see more and more in the news about GMOs”, says Dr. Alan Winter, President and CEO of Genome BC. “As an organization that values open discussion and diverse points of view, we are looking forward to this engaging panel session.”

The session is being moderated by respected local community leader and former Councillor Don Bassermann. Panel members include:

• Serena Black - Graduate student at UNBC doing work comparing hybrid to conventional  barley
• Yvonna Breed - Local organic farmer in Prince George
• Shawn Mansfield - Professor in the Faculty of Forestry at UBC
• Jillian Merrick - Co-ordinator of Beyond the Market project with Community Futures of Fort George

”UNBC has long been a strong Canadian research university," says UNBC Vice-President of Research Ranjana Bird. “We are pleased to help provide a balanced forum for the community to get informed on a topic that is very important and interesting to all of us in Northern BC.”

The event will be a balanced, moderated discussion between a group of diverse individuals who hold different perspectives surrounding the topic of GMOs. The goal is to educate attendees on what a GMO is and what it is not, so they can gain a greater understanding of GMOS and make their own educated decisions on where they stand in regards to the topic.

This free public event begins at 6:30pm on Tuesday, January 28th at the The Exploration Place Museum & Science Centre, 333 Becott Place, Prince George.