vandyck_kenis_stirling.pdf (622.1 kB)
The genetically modified organism shall not be refused? Talking back to the technosciences
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 01:17 authored by Barbara Van Dyck, Anneleen Kenis, Andrew StirlingAndrew StirlingStarting from Marcel Mauss’ observation that “one has no right to refuse a gift”, this paper explores the politics of refusal in the context of field trials with genetically modified organisms in Flanders (Belgium). Based on a decade of activist research, and focusing on the genetically modified organism field trials of the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology, we show that the business model of this strategic research center – with its triple mission of carrying biotechnology research, technology transfer, and the promotion of biotechnology through communication and lobby activities – fosters a climate in which innovations in the technosciences have to “be accepted”. The future is laid out without including the possibility of refusal. Consternation is great when this is exactly what happens. Irrational fears and lack of understanding or lack of familiarity are invoked to explain refusal. Language of precision, innovation, safety, and control are deployed to re-assure the public. Refusal is not considered a legitimate option. Yet, if farmers and grassroots initiatives would accept the gift of genetically modified organisms, it would mean the acceptance of their dispossession and the impossibility of diverse food sovereignties. Starting from theoretical work on “the gift” and “the politics of refusal”, we argue that recognizing innovation as the intrinsically plural and divergent process it is, entails including options to refuse particular pathways as a first step to open up others. As we will argue, saying no to genetically modified organisms is part of saying yes to peasant autonomy, agrobiodiversity, and peoples’ food sovereignties.
Funding
HealingFromEnclosure - A Political Agroecology of Science-and-Society Potato Controversy in Belguim; G1985; EUROPEAN UNION; 707807
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Environment and Planning EISSN
2514-8486Publisher
SAGE PublicationsExternal DOI
Page range
1-22Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-10-04First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-10-04First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-10-04Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC