Auburn University College of Agriculture to host World Food Day screening of GMO documentary

Auburn University’s College of Agriculture will recognize World Food Day 2017 on Oct. 16, with a free, on-campus screening of the film "Food Evolution." The Auburn campus and community are invited to the screening, at 5:30 p.m. in Foy Hall Auditorium.

"Food Evolution" is a documentary that takes an in-depth look at the controversy surrounding genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Producers describe the 92-minute film as an effort to examine the issue objectively, separating hype and emotion from science and data. Narrated by science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson, "Food Evolution" includes interviews with more than 30 individuals on opposing sides of the heated GMO dispute, from food scientists and chemical company executives to environmentalists and farmers.

The film’s ultimate objective, producers say, is to present the viewpoints of those for and against GMOs and to provide scientific data so audience members can make their own informed food decisions.

"Feeding a growing global population in a sustainable, environmentally responsible way is a mission that we in the College of Agriculture take very seriously," Dean Paul Patterson said. "This documentary looks at all sides of food-related issues and allows us to understand everyone’s concerns."

World Food Day is observed internationally each Oct. 16 to increase awareness of hunger and the need for food security for all and to achieve the World Food Organization’s goal of Zero Hunger by 2030.

For details on the screening, contact Josh Woods at jlw0067@auburn.edu or 334-844-5887. Read more about the documentary online at foodevolutionmovie.com.