Plot

At the Metro Convention Centre in Toronto, the biotech industry is holding a conference, but the public isn't invited. Activists have organized an alternative gathering called Biojustice/Biodiversity to address the controversial issues surrounding bioengineering and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). "We're here to talk about the things they're not talking about", explains a member of the Council of Canadians. We also hear from experts from Greenpeace, Freedom For Animals, the Polaris Institute, the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate and Gene Action. Geneticist Dr. David Suzuki, whose talk serves as a visual narrative, reveals the scope of the perilous experiment that began over five years ago. "GMOs are in the food stream," stresses Suzuki, "and we've never given our consent!" Biodemocracy: Making A Difference is a compelling critique of the biotech industry and genetic engineering. It raises timely questions about how the science is being done, the lack of labeling, government funding and the lack of risk assessment. "We don't know the long-term effects," continues Suzuki, "it's far too early". The central focus of this documentary is the celebration of alternatives to the adverse activities of the biotech industry. As a result of the industry's attempts to patent life and control the earth's food supply, a groundswell of opposition has developed to counter the actions of the "Gene Giants".