News

Monsanto’s Fraley: Netflix series serves public with science

Monsanto Chief Technology Officer Dr. Robb Fraley says his appearance on the new Bill Nye Netflix series is important because it brings science to the public.  Fraley helped develop and commercialize genetically modified crops.  He was featured on an episode of Bill Nye Saves the World, which explored GMOs.  Fraley tells Brownfield Nye’s humorous approach makes science entertaining.

“Too many times in the past we’ve approached these discussions with facts and data, and made it too complicated,” Fraley told Brownfield Ag News Wednesday.  “I think being able to communicate [science] both with emotion and passion is really key.”

To open the episode, Nye shares with the audience that he was skeptical of GMOs until attending a debate between Fraley and people opposed to GMOs.  Nye says his own further research following that debate changed his perspective.

“I believe the advantages of genetically modified crops outweigh the downsides,” said Nye, on his television show.

Fraley says in a Huffington Post op-ed, he’s learned from Nye the importance of being able to communicate about science so people understand and care about it.  “If we had done a better job of helping consumers understand GMOs from the beginning,” said Fraley in the op-ed, “we probably would have avoided most of the confusion that still exists today.”

AUDIO: Robb Fraley (16 min. MP3)