Frankly, something called Talking Biotech would not normally get a second look from me. Too narrow. Too nerdy. Probably too preachy. But I’d be wrong in the case of Dr Kevin Folta’s podcast. It is nerdy, but in a good way; and it isn’t preachy (well, mostly not too preachy). And, despite it’s title, it’s not just about biotech. There tends to be a section in each hour-long weekly episode, usually towards the end, where an expert talks to Dr Folta about how a crop evolved, and how it is being improved: recent episodes include Dr David Spooner on the potato, Prof. Pat Heslop-Harrison on the banana, and Drs Shelby Ellison and Philipp Simon on the carrot. You can subscribe in iTunes, where you can also leave a review.
I am a plant biotechnologist and fully support new technologies in agriculture. Organic farming should also be practised side by side. New technologies must be adopted with open mind and liberal attitude keeping in view of the demand supply gap in food grains.
Hi Luigi! Thanks for checking out the podcast. You’re right, the title should been broader, but “kickassplantstories.com” was already taken.
Seriously, biotech is not just genetic engineering. It is the technology of biology, the tricks we can use from modern chemistry that help us dissect evolution and gear its next steps toward modern food production.
I’ll try to be more preachy. Or not. I just love sharing science and getting people familiar with the great stories of our fruits and veggies. If we understand where it comes form in time and space, we’re more likely to appreciate it more, waste it less, and be more apt to accept technology that aids in its improvement.
Thank you for a lovely review.
Kevin