Researchers hope that dialogue and communication will prevent the destruction of their experiments. A group of scientists at Rothamstead Research in the UK are conducting a trial in wheat genetically modified to repel insects. An anti-GM group “Take the flour back” calling for a mass action to “decontaminate” the site on May 27th – in other words, to destroy the crop.
The scientists involved however are fighting back by engaging openly and publically with the protesters, urging them to reconsider their actions. In an open letter and a video message (posted here on YouTube), the scientists plead with the protesters “in the spirit of openness and dialogue” not to destroy their work.
Instead they invite the protesters to come and discuss their work and see for themselves what they are trying to achieve.
In the video, four scientists appeal directly to the protesters’ common sense. Describing themselves as environmentalists, they set out how the crops could benefit the environment, explain (calmly) that no cow genes are involved, that this publically funded research has no links to industry and is entirely not-for-profit.
Destroying valuable publically funded research, they argue, will make it impossible for anyone except the deep-pocketed bio-tech companies to be able to run this type of research with the enormous security bills they require. And this is not what they want, either.
The scientists are convincing, honest and very genuine. I hope the protesters see sense and go in peace on May 27th to see for themselves.
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