The first Canadian presentation of the film Food Evolution, narrated by author and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is coming to the University of Guelph on June 7 with a panel discussion from some of the world's foremost agricultural scientists.

The documentary is a look at the debate on the use of genetically modified organisms in agricultural and food production, and its associated ethical issues.

The 7:30 p.m. screening, sponsored by the Ontario Agricultural College of the University of Guelph, Ontario Agri-Food Technologies and Farm & Food Care Ontario, is in Room 1200 Thornborough Building, University of Guelph.

Discussion panel members include Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California Davis: Involved in the potential use of genetic engineering in livestock agriculture. Her work includes the transfer of a ‘poll-less’ gene from naturally hornless cattle breeds to other breeds – as a means of eliminating the need for de-horning in livestock farming.

Mark Lynas, Oxford England and associated with the Alliance for Science at Cornell University: Actively involved in the introduction of genetically engineered crops to reduce pesticide use in developing countries.

Dr. Kevin Folta, University of Florida: World renowned scientist and communications expert on genetically engineering for farm crop improvement, and who has experienced major personal abuse as a result of these efforts. He is also active in efforts to genetically modify orange trees to prevent devastation caused by “citrus greening,” a disease which threatens to eliminate the Florida orange industry.

Adam Malima, chair of the Biotech Society of Tanzania, and a former deputy minister of agriculture for Tanzania: Active in efforts to use genetic engineering to manage diseases in bananas, cassava and other African crops.

David Zaruk, Odisee University College and Université Saint-Louis, Brussels, Belgium: Well-known analyst and critic of policies of the European Union involving GMOs.

Dr. C.S. Prakash, Tuskegee University, Alabama: An effective communicator on issues related to GMOs in agriculture with special knowledge of development in India and the United States.

Dr. Stuart Smyth, University of Saskatchewan: An analyst on use of genetically engineered canola and other Canadian crops.