Several years ago, Craig Ventor of the Human Genome project said, "Scientists who do not bring an understanding of what they are doing to the public at large, won't be doing it for much longer". His words certainly carried a message, but unfortunately, the issue is not quite as simple today.
A recent incident in Mt Gambier in South Australia involving genetically modified (GM) canola trials attracted both national and international media coverage, resulted in several state rural forums, and created much discussion throughout regional, rural and metropolitan Australia. Of all the issues that were raised, one point certainly came through loud and clear - the need for credible, fact-based information on gene technology is absolutely essential.
