The more people learn the facts about genetic engineering, says Alison Van Eenennaam, the better off society is in the long run.

That's the spirit behind her new video, Genetic Engineering in California Agriculture, which recently aired on UCTV and is available for downloading. A Cooperative Extension specialist in animal science, Van Eenennaam prepared the video to help with education on genetic engineering in California agriculture. With many counties adopting local initiatives prohibiting genetically engineered crops and animals, this video is timely.

Van Eenennaam said, "This 30-minute video explains the science behind genetic engineering, outlines its uses in food crops and animals, details where and why this technology is being used by California farmers, and examines the science-based concerns pertaining to the use of genetic engineering in agricultural production systems."

She said the video was created as an objective educational piece on a controversial topic, presented in a way that is intelligible and accessible to the public.

"A recent study of public knowledge about biotechnology, genetic engineering and genetic modification by Rutgers University found that the majority of Americans claim to know 'very little' (55 percent) or 'nothing at all' (22 percent) about biotechnology," commented Van Eenennaam.

Gary Anderson, chair of animal science, said, "Alison's videotape is an excellent example of how our faculty can successfully disseminate objective, science-based information on a complex and even controversial topic and do so in a format that's understandable to a general audience."

Videos available

Videotapes and DVDs of the program are available for downloading and viewing at http://groups.ucanr.org/anronuctv/Video_Program_Sales_Information. The video aired on UCTV from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6.

For more information, contact Van Eenennaam at alvaneenennaam@ucdavis.edu or (530) 752-7942.

Ann King Filmer is the senior writer in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.