Biotech: Big Money PR Meets Grassroots Credibility

Food First, also known as The Institute for Food and Development Policy, is fund-raising for $450,000 to undertake a three-year campaign "to rebut the questionable PR tactics used by the biotech industry to promote genetically engineered (GE) food. Specifically, we will counter the industry tactics of green washing — 'biotech is pro-environment,' poor washing — 'we need biotech to feed the hungry,' and hope dashing — 'there is no alternative.' " Ross S. Irvine, president of ePublic Relations Ltd and a self-described corporate activist, opines on Food First's tactical and strategic advantages when facing the biotech industry's multi-million dollar PR campaigns.