Jeffrey Smith, the consumer advocate on the health risks of genetically modified organisms, will be in the San Juan Islands Sept. 17 to 19. Smith has authored a book on the health dangers of genetically modified organisms called “Seeds of Deception.” His most recent book “Genetic Roulette” has been made into a movie. Smith has lectured in 30 countries and has been quoted by media outlets including The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC World Service, Daily Telegraph, New Scientist, The Times (London), Associated Press, Reuters News Service, LA Times, and Time Magazine. He is also a popular guest on radio shows and television programs, such as the BBC, NPR, Fox News and Democracy Now. He is the executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, producer of the films “Hidden Dangers in Kids’ Meals” and “Your Milk on Drugs—Just Say No!” He has a regular blog on the Huffington Post.
The former United Kingdom environment minister says the revelations in his book “Genetic Roulette” may “change the global course of events this century.” Former U.S. National Institutes of Health scientist Candace Pert describes Smith as “the leading world expert in the understanding and communication of the health issues surrounding genetically modified foods.”
Smith has pointed to GMOs as a likely major contributor to serious diseases on the rise in the U.S. Doctors and patients have reported major recoveries after removing GMOs from their diets, and veterinarians and farmers report similar improvements in animals that have switched to non-GMO feed, according to Smith’s research.
Smith’s visit is sponsored by GMO-Free San Juans, which has placed Initiative 2012-4 on the November ballot. This initiative will make it unlawful to propagate, cultivate, raise or grow plants, animals and other organisms which have been genetically modified. It does not affect growing of hybrid plants or limit what is available in stores. Smith will be giving presentations on San Juan Island on Sept. 17, 7 p.m. at Skagit Valley College and at Lopez Island on Sept. 18, 7 p.m. at the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts and Orcas Island on Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m., at the Oddfellows Hall.
