Topic: Transgenic Crops

Representative Thomas Massie introduced an amendment to block USDA funding for "transgenic edible vaccines," citing research into mRNA-producing lettuce and spinach. Concerns are raised about cross-contamination, referencing a past incident where vaccine-engineered corn contaminated soybean crops. A 20-year-old story from the Houston Chronicle regarding a company called Protogen growing HIV-related proteins in corn is revisited to highlight the dangers of "playing God" with the food supply.

Representative Thomas Massie introduced an amendment to block USDA funding for transgenic edible vaccines. The discussion focuses on research at UC Riverside aimed at turning spinach and lettuce into mRNA vaccine factories. Jones recalls a past incident involving a company called Protogen where genetically engineered corn allegedly contaminated neighboring fields.