Anton Wohlers Summary

In 2013, Anton Wohlers published a journal article about the pros and cons of GMOs and if the United States should be labeling our food products. Dr. Wohlers is currently a professor at Cameron University, the origin of the article, where he focuses on researching the implementation of biotechnology policies. He has a doctorate and two MAs in political science and has taught a range of classes including US and European Politics, Public Policy, and Political Science. He previously taught at Northern Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University, and Dominican University. In 2010, Dr. Wohlers was named the Oklahoma Political scientist of the year. His 20 plus years of practicing political science provides him with valuable insight into government

policies. The article mainly focuses its purpose on explaining the public policy of GMO labeling laws throughout the years which can be both valuable and limiting. He provides facts and statistics to inform the reader, which provides the most value to the reader since the article is presenting information and not trying to persuade the audience. While the journal article is mainly made up of facts, it also provides the positives and negatives of GMOs without adding in any biased opinions. Although this approach is valuable in presenting evidence and facts towards the debate, it is also limits and excludes the expert opinions of the author. The content of the article is varied in background information, as well as the history of GMO development and the policies surrounding the labeling debate. The author includes a summary of the current scientific debate, biotechnology policy in the United States and the EU, and public opinion in relation to GM food labeling. He also discusses the role of grassroots movements in regards to current and future legislative efforts. The extensive content of the article has value because it presents all sides of this ongoing debate. Dr. Wohler’s many years of policy research and teaching have enabled him to compile a very substantial amount of information for this article, which allows the reader to gain unbiased insight into the ongoing GMO labeling controversy.