April 05, 2022
Animal agriculture is increasingly criticized for its negative effects on the environment, and on the animals reared using increasingly intensive methods. Technological advances may help develop methods and products that are less harmful.
For example, technology is bringing more choices to our plate. Plant-based “meat” products have surged in popularity. Many restaurants now offer these meat alternative products. Other alternative milk products and lab-grown meat are in development. In addition, innovations on farms can result in better lives for farm animals. For example, in creating animals that are more tolerant rising temperatures or in allowing animals more choice. However, Canadian businesses face regulation and labeling challenges as they trailblaze the path to market their products.
These technologies are imminent. Genome BC recently hosted a webinar bringing together two local experts, Drs. Lenore Newman and Daniel Weary, to discuss policy issues in our local food systems. This webinar is the first in our Genomics and Society Policy series – one of the initiatives we will be undertaking to facilitate networking, capacity building and interdisciplinary support with respect to policy development.
This webinar examined the questions:
- Who does the public trust for information regarding food?
- Who gets a voice regarding technology decisions in agriculture?
- Which types of technologies are more accepted by the public?
- How can we make food systems better?
- What areas of policy need improvement?
Watch the webinar below.