Biotech Updates

Hillary Clinton Backs Biotech

July 2, 2014

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has adamantly voiced support for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in a 65-minute keynote address and moderated discussion during the Biotechnology Industry Organization's (BIO) annual conference in San Diego, California. 

Clinton told thousands at the San Diego Convention Center that the GMO debate might be turned toward the biotech side if the benefits were better explained. She said that "Genetically modified sounds Frankensteinish. Drought resistant sounds like something you'd want." She cited that as U.S. Secretary of State she was a major proponent of genetically engineered seeds, especially drought resistant ones, and added that one of her official programs was to encourage people in Africa to use GMOs to grow their own food.

When confronted by a group of anti-GMO protesters at the convention center, Clinton said, "I stand in favor of using seeds and products that have a proven track record. There's a big gap between the facts and what the perceptions are."

For more details on Clinton's appearance at the BIO convention, click here:
http://www.biotech-now.org/events/2014/06/former-secretary-of-state-hillary-clinton-bio2014-keynote-address.