What does the development of genetically modified chile mean for growers, consumers and seed savers?

Join Cuatro Puertas, a nonprofit group and guest speakers to talk about the issue from 2-5 p.m. Dec. 13 at The University of New Mexico Student Union Building ballroom on campus in Albuquerque.

Among the speakers are Percy Schmeiser, a Canadian canola farmer, who was sued by seed giant Monsanto when some of the company's genetically engineered plants were found in his field. Schmeiser claimed Monsanto plants grown nearby cross-contaminated his crops. Monsanto won its suit but did not collect damages against Schmeiser, who became an anti-GMO activist.

Kevin Zelig Golden, attorney with the Center for Food Safety, will talk about his recent lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture over genetically engineered plants.

Duncan Hilchey, an agriculture policy analyst with Cornell University, will discuss his National Geographic Society-funded project studying specialized agricultural regions around the U.S., including Hatch's chile fields.

The state Legislature approved funding this year to NMSU for developing genetically modified chile that can withstand a fungus that's decimated the chile industry. Others are worried about how a GMO chile could impact traditional heritage varieties.