GMOs Global Impact

The debate on GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) has been debated for years globally. CAST recently shared video and text titled "Gains Foregone by Going GMO Free: Potential Impacts on Consumers, the Environment, and Agricultural Producers." Cast is an international consortium of scientific and professional societies, universities, companies, nonprofits, libraries, and individuals who assemble, interpret, and communicate credible, unbiased, science-based information for all populations. Linked below is a one-page summary of the media regarding "Gains Foregone by Going GMO Free." We encourage you to investigate the document linked and utilize the discussion points to guide conversations with others around the globe.

Gains Forgone by Going GMO Free

Discussion Points

• How are GMOs viewed in your home region? Does this align with CAST's findings?
• What are the global impacts of GMOs? Consider health, environment, and poverty.
• In many Global South countries GMOs are not allowed. What are the impacts of these bans? 
• Do you believe science has been attacked lately (at home and/or around the globe)? Explain your reasoning and if you believe this is a problem what might be done?

El Salvador’s Dry Corridor

Travel with us to El Salvador via the video linked below and learn about innovative practices that are empowering farmers in the region. We encourage you to utilize the discussion points below to reflect and engage in conversations with others around the globe. 

El Salvador - Dry Corridor Success

Discussion Points 

• As you watch the video what do you notice about agriculture in the Dry Corridor of El Salvador? What are the similarities and differences regarding agriculture in your home region and in El Salvador?
•  The FAO helped create a cooperative for a small group of farmers in the region. How might this cooperative benefit these farmers? Do farmers in your home region engage with cooperatives? Compare and contrast how cooperatives may be similar or different in your home region and El Salvador. 
• The video mentions the implementation of education and training as a part of the success. Why are trainings and educational opportunities key to development for countries in the Global South?

Child Labor and Agriculture

Child labor around the globe is a concerning topic. The video linked below from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations highlights the dark realities of child labor. You are encouraged to watch the video linked below and utilize the discussion points to engage with others around the globe.

To achieve Zero Hunger, we must have ZERO CHILD LABOUR

Discussion Points

• What stuck with you from the video and why?
• Does child labor look different in different parts of the world (specifically in agriculture)? What does it look like locally for yourself? 
• As you discuss child labor with others someone makes the statement, "Maybe it is just part of their culture? We cannot disrespect their culture." How would you respond to this? Do you agree or disagree? How might you navigate this conversation/situation?