Sam, Dr. Klak is an extraordinary genius! And you're not too shabby either. This is an extraordinary interview- it really is! I am going to have to re-read it at least three times and hope I can commit it to ready-access memory.
Many things to admire and comment on..here's one passage (among many) that merits comment:
"There's another disease that is prevalent in the South, and that's why the South is in deeper trouble, and there are way fewer surviving trees. It's a root rot disease in the South, and that's called Phytophthora cinnamomi. Phytophthora cinnamomi kills the tree’s roots. It's creeping northward with everything that's moving northward with climate change..."
"moving northward"..that's an ominous knell. Life in itself is splendid, but there are a lot of its instantiations I'd rather stay put- far to the south.
My personal belief is that a lot of the opposition to GMOs arose because the first GMO crops were Round-Up Ready corn and soybeans from Monsanto. Rather than provide broad benefits to people around the world, like golden rice would, Monsanto used pricing and intellectual property agreements to give farmers just enough economic benefit (10-20% of the total) to use the GMO seeds while keeping the rest of the profit for themselves. Consumers got nothing but a greater glut of corn and soybeans and the processed foods that are made from them. Unfortunately, we can’t rerun history, with golden rice appearing first.
I agree; I think it's really important to differentiate between *how a technology is applied/sold/manipulated* and *the inherent value/utility of the technology itself.*
Hi Andy, Thanks for the compliment. Since you are now in Maine like I am, it would be an honor to show you our transgenic chestnut speed breeding lab and chat about related issues. Let me know when you might have the time and could swing by Biddeford. Your work has inspired me and many others for a long time. Thanks. - Tom Klak
I can see a luxury pest resistant chestnut market emerging to boost the planting of these magnificent trees. They could hold galas. 10000$ for a ticket and a few saplings to take home and plant.
Sam, Dr. Klak is an extraordinary genius! And you're not too shabby either. This is an extraordinary interview- it really is! I am going to have to re-read it at least three times and hope I can commit it to ready-access memory.
Many things to admire and comment on..here's one passage (among many) that merits comment:
"There's another disease that is prevalent in the South, and that's why the South is in deeper trouble, and there are way fewer surviving trees. It's a root rot disease in the South, and that's called Phytophthora cinnamomi. Phytophthora cinnamomi kills the tree’s roots. It's creeping northward with everything that's moving northward with climate change..."
"moving northward"..that's an ominous knell. Life in itself is splendid, but there are a lot of its instantiations I'd rather stay put- far to the south.
Michael, you are incredibly kind, as always! Thank you so much! You rock.
Hi Michael, Thanks for the kind words about the interview. If you are ever in southern Maine, please come see the transgenic chestnut lab. - Tom
I'd be honored!
My personal belief is that a lot of the opposition to GMOs arose because the first GMO crops were Round-Up Ready corn and soybeans from Monsanto. Rather than provide broad benefits to people around the world, like golden rice would, Monsanto used pricing and intellectual property agreements to give farmers just enough economic benefit (10-20% of the total) to use the GMO seeds while keeping the rest of the profit for themselves. Consumers got nothing but a greater glut of corn and soybeans and the processed foods that are made from them. Unfortunately, we can’t rerun history, with golden rice appearing first.
I agree; I think it's really important to differentiate between *how a technology is applied/sold/manipulated* and *the inherent value/utility of the technology itself.*
An amazing interview. Do another with Tom Kimmerer on the future of America's forests. https://www.kimmerer.com/home-page/
Sounds great!
Hi Andy, Thanks for the compliment. Since you are now in Maine like I am, it would be an honor to show you our transgenic chestnut speed breeding lab and chat about related issues. Let me know when you might have the time and could swing by Biddeford. Your work has inspired me and many others for a long time. Thanks. - Tom Klak
Would love to connect to do a walk around this spring! revkin AT gmail
great. let me know when you are free Andy. Thanks
I can see a luxury pest resistant chestnut market emerging to boost the planting of these magnificent trees. They could hold galas. 10000$ for a ticket and a few saplings to take home and plant.
You can get seeds mailed to you every spring for $300 and signing a non-commercial use agreement! https://support.tacf.org/membership/new-seed-level
Do you think they’ll grow anywhere on the west coast?
The southern varietals don’t require strong winters so they might grow well.
I don't know! Great question. Maybe if the soil has the right pH for their liking?