The Checkout

Episode #88 Notes0:45 - Alan’s issues of synthetic biology and GMO.9:15 - On gene editing, CRISPR, and defining synthetic biology.22:00 - How these technologies work and how they’re deployed in food production.27:00 - Who is funding these technologies in food production?38:00 - The Commons as a response to consolidated agricultural land ownership.42:00 - On GMO’s in Africa.Book RecommendationThe Great Transformation, Karl Polanyi

Episode #87 Notes1:00 - What makes Dr. Bronner’s supply chain so unique?4:30 - How did the supply chain come about and develop?14:00 - What are the typical conditions of farmers and supply chain workers?21:40 - How have workers and owners in the Dr. Bronner’s supply chain benefited from their relationship with y’all?27:00 - How have customers reacted to your developments in supply chain? And is it replicable?35:00 - How is Dr. Bronner’s approach creating a more fair and just food system?40:00 - Book Recommendations!Honor They Label, Gero LesonThe Carbon Farming Solution, Eric ToensmeierEntangled Lives: How fungi make our worlds, change our minds, and shape our future, Merlin SheldrakeAgroecology: Science and Politics, Rosset and Altieri

How do we understand incoming food technologies? The Checkout does a deep dive on the science and political economy of synthetic biology, microbial fermentation and New GMOs. Plus, two inspiring examples of worker-led victories in the food system.