A conversation on genetically engineered apples [podcast episode #10] (#GMOMonday)




Eye to Eye: An Ayn Rand Institute Podcast show

Summary: In this podcast episode, I interview Neal Carter, president and founder of Okanagan Specialty Fruits. Carter is the head of this small (just seven members) biotechnology company based in Canada, which specializes in the creation of novel tree fruit varieties. Their first variety? They are gearing up to introduce a new apple into the American market. It’s called the Arctic Apple, and it’s meant to solve an ages-old annoyance. This apple has been engineered to prevent it from browning when sliced. In the interview, Carter gives an explanation of what an Arctic Apple is and how they were able to create the first genetically engineered apple. The Arctic Apple was created using the technology of genetic engineering and has faced an uphill climb for regulatory approval. Speaking from his experience, Carter paints a picture of what he describes as that “long journey.” Even after years of testing to ensure the apples were safe, he describes how the crushing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of biotech foods breeds business risk, “adds costs and keeps many new products out of the market.” Carter attributes part of the growing regulatory burden to the fear and opposition created by anti-GMO activists (GMO stands for genetically modified organism). In the interview, we discuss the anti-GMO movement, specifically, their opposition to Golden Rice. Anti-GMO activists have destroyed test fields of Golden Rice, and environmental groups such as Greenpeace have worked hard to block the beta-carotene enhanced rice from reaching the poor in third-world countries who might want to eat it. Image credit: Okanagan Specialty Fruits