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First AgBioFEWS Cohort: Eastern NC Field Course Report

The first cohort of nine graduate students in the AgBioFEWS program spent July 30 through Aug 9 in Eastern NC visiting with farmers and other stakeholders to gain an understanding of the agricultural systems in the region and how biotechnology impacts the dynamics of that system.

The region is dominated by two crops: soybean and corn. Both of these crops have been engineered to be resistant to specific herbicides, and corn has also been engineered to contain a protein that is toxic to caterpillar pests. The students will present an overview of their experiences and will comment on how these experiences have affected their perspectives on agricultural biotechnology.

Photo credit: Vicky Earp, NC State