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User:D4v3r5/Biology Fortified, Inc.

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Biology Fortified, Inc.
Founded2008[1]
FounderKarl Haro von Mogel and Anastasia Bodnar
TypeEducational
(IRS exemption status): Non-exempt
FocusEducation, Genetic Engineering, Plant Breeding, Genetics
Location
Area served
Global
MethodNews and commentary
Key people
Karl Haro von Mogel, co-founder and co-Executive Editor
Anastasia Bodnar, co-founder and co-Executive Editor
Dr. Pamela Ronald, Editor
Dr. David Tribe, Editor
Revenue
Donations
Websitewww.biofortified.org

Biology Fortified, Inc. (BFI) is an independent non-profit organization devoted to providing factual information and fostering discussion about agriculture, especially plant genetics and genetic engineering. Articles are written on a voluntary basis by a variety of professionals, including scientists and farmers.[2] Although topics related to genetic engineering are a primary focus of the blog, BFI features content on a range of topics related to food and agriculture, such as organic farming, plant breeding, genetics, food safety, recipes, beekeeping, and political and philosophical issues.
BFI also generates public resources. The editors maintain a list of peer-reviewed scientific studies related to the relative risks of genetic engineering in agriculture,[3] and are developing a way to make them more accessible to the public, called the GENetic Engineering Risk Atlas (GENERA).[3][4] The site maintains a collection of images for use by media organizations,[5] and lists traits that have been created with genetic engineering.[6]

History

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In 2008, the founding of BFI noticed a lack of an online forum where people could meet to discuss issues related to genetically engineered plants, and engage in civil dialogue. They decided that the best way to do this is with a group blog that would provide two-way interactions and allow for a wide range of contributions and collaborations. Biofortified.org was launched on October 31, 2008.[1] The site was named for the concept of biofortification, where the nutritional content of foods are enhanced through breeding or genetically engineering. The site was redesigned in early 2010. About twenty authors have contributed articles to the blog, half of them on a regular basis. In 2012, the organization incorporated in the State of Wisconsin as a nonprofit corporation, changing the name from Biofortified to "Biology Fortified, Inc" (the 'Inc.' is required by the state of Wisconsin). In 2013, BFI was awarded federal status as a 501c3 (EIN 45-5503492).

Funding

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According to its About page,[2] BFI is independently run on a volunteer basis, and is not supported by any funding from any companies or government entities. Site hosting costs were initially footed by the founding members and continue to be supported by donations from individuals. In 2009, Biofortified won the user-voted Ashoka Changemakers GMO Risk or Rescue contest, securing a small grant for the organization.[7] In 2012, BFI was awarded a grant from the American Society of Plant Biologists to help produce the GENERA resource. [8]

Impact

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BFI editors have given poster presentations at scientific conferences[9][10], and have given interviews [11][12][13] and radio[14]. As of December, 2011, the site has over 900 posts and 10,000 comments, and receives 58,000 hits per month. Articles from BFI are indexed in Google News. Many readers are themselves scientists in plant or agriculture-related fields, or work for companies doing work in agriculture or biotechnology.[15]

Frank N. Foode

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Frank N. Foode

One of BFI's contributions to discussions about genetic engineering in agriculture is its mascot, Frank N. Foode. The name is a play on "Frankenfood" - a derogatory term used to describe Genetically Modified Food. The stuffed "Frank" doll has been photographed with people including Michael Pollan and Tom Vilsack, and plants including Cassava and Petunias.[16] The site's mascot also has a devoted Twitter feed with almost 2000 followers.[17]

See also

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  • grainAgriculture and Agronomy portal

    • References

    [edit]
    1. ^ a b Welcome to Biofortified
    2. ^ a b About page, Biofortified.org
    3. ^ a b Studies for GENERA, Biofortified.org Cite error: The named reference "genera" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
    4. ^ Haro von Mogel, Karl (November 2, 2010). GENERA: Students launch a new public resource on genetic engineering and need your help. Seedquest.com. Accessed January 2012.
    5. ^ Images for Media, Biofortified.org
    6. ^ Biotech Traits, Biofortified.org
    7. ^ GMO Risk or Rescue? Helping Consumers Decide - Winners Announced
    8. ^ ASPB Education Foundation Grant 2012 Winners, American Society of Plant Biologists
    9. ^ Poster Abstract, Maize Genetics Conference 2010.
    10. ^ Poster Abstract, Science Societies Conference, 2010.
    11. ^ Green Genes, Forbes Magazine
    12. ^ Scientist distances himself from activists - COSMOS
    13. ^ Biotech is not a Product - Seed Magazine
    14. ^ Don't Be Scared of Frank 'n Foode - This Week in Ag by Truffle Media.
    15. ^ Planting Cyber Seeds - St. Louis Post-Dispatch. (Archived at Truth About Trade and Technology.)
    16. ^ Photo Album, Biofortified.org
    17. ^ Frank N. Foode Twitter feed
    • "GMOs and Mother Nature - Closer Than You Think; Plastics; Sustainability of our farms; French Researcher Gives Up; Eating Glo-Fish". AgBioWorld.com. November 9, 2010. Retrieved January 08, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); External link in |publisher= (help)
    [edit]

    Category:Companies based in Madison, Wisconsin Category:Genetic engineering and agriculture

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