Advances in science play out in seed as in every other field. Mapping the genomes of our food crop seeds has enabled us to pinpoint the sequences that code for specific traits or characteristics that are deemed potentially positive, and technology is such that these can be spliced into the DNA of other varieties or, in some cases, other species.  But this is not without controversy and within the 'unchartered waters,' there could be challenges and even risks we've not yet anticipated.

As growers and sharers of open-pollinated seeds, our time and energy is often in very short supply, and finding the headspace to understand genetic modification (or 'GM') and anticipate its implications is difficult.  And the dynamic is ever-shifting, with the legislation moving on at pace.  However, as our place is at the start of the food production pathway, we need to be informed enough to make decisions around GM, to communicate those to others and to respond to consultations relating to the industry's strategic direction.

This very open and safe webinar is the space to ask any questions you have regarding GM (or any of its aliases - gene editing, precision breeding etc), whether that is the simplest clarification or something more complex.  Use it as an opportunity to ease any bafflement and confusion: you will leave with the knowledge to think around GM with confidence and hopefully, to input into decision-making processes as invited by policymakers and strategists.

No questions is too simple!

In order to answer your queries as fully as possible, we invite you to submit them in advance to our expert Leonie from GM Freeze.

Please email your questions by 31st August to catherine@gaianet.org - if you supply your name we will invite you to ask in person during the webinar; if you'd rather remain anonymous, please state this in your message.

Our speaker

Leonie Nimmo is the Executive Director of GM Freeze. She has a background in campaigning, research and project co-ordination and is a passionate advocate for a fair and sustainable future.

GM Freeze is an umbrella campaign. Its members include farmers, scientists, retailers, grassroots campaigners and organisations including the Soil Association, Friends of the Earth and Garden Organic.

GM Freeze is working to help create a world in which our food is produced responsibly, fairly and sustainably.

• It considers and raise the profile of concerns about the impact of genetic modification.

• It informs, inspires, represents and supports those who share its concerns.

• It campaigns for a moratorium on GM food and farming in the UK.

• It opposes the patenting of genetic resources.

More information can be found here.

About SeedTV

SeedTV is a webinar series hosted by The Gaia Foundation's Seed Sovereignty Programme for the seed network in the UK and Ireland. The topics range from medicinal seeds to seed garlic, seed legislation changes to crowd breeding but have one thing in common: seeds! Join us (roughly) quarterly to delve deep into the rich, regenerative, radical world of seed as we explore topics that have the most interest and impact for our networks.

If you have an idea for and upcoming SeedTV session, please get in touch at seedsovereignty@gaianet.org. 

Seed Sovereignty Programme info: seedsovereignty.info