When chef and social activist Jamie Oliver was awarded a prime time spot on ABC, he pledged to share his message of a healthier and more localized food system with the world. As anyone who watched the viral video below knows, he’s been very effective in that role.
But now, Oliver’s loyalties are being called into question by online activists after he’s teamed up with one of the most notorious pushers of genetically engineered, big-corporate food in the world.
Oliver had a message for the activists on his Facebook page on Jan. 23 in hopes of clearing the air. But still, several questions persist.
Oliver Responds to Activists Over Gates Foundation Ties
Following our original article on Oliver’s video message pledging his support to the notoriously pro-GMO Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, the popular chef and food activist took to his Facebook page to respond to the scores of pro food freedom and anti-GMO activists who took to his page demanding answers.
His response:
Hi guys, my video message in support of Bill and Melinda Gates’ letter was in response to their big bets for the next fifteen years. My big bet is that food education for all is fundamental to fixing our broken food system and feeding the world. Following my message a lot of you have shared your concerns about GMOs so I wanted to make sure you knew that my video message wasn’t in support of GMOs but instead sharing my belief in food education. Sharing views, having a right noisy debate and getting to the food truth – including about GMOs – is essential to tackling the big problems we face and is at the heart of the Food Revolution. Jamie
That’s all well and good, but of course, the question wasn’t whether or not Jamie’s message itself was in support of GMOs — it was about whether Oliver knew what he was getting into by supporting a foundation that is heavily invested in them.
Oliver speaking in support of the strongly Pro-GMO Gates Foundation.
After all, the Gates Foundation has a invested quite a bit in Monsanto and has spent hundreds of millions of dollars promoting genetically engineered foods around the world.
As far as “food education” goes, it should be noted that Gates is the one who essentially helped bring about the Common Core textbook revolution in schools, one that many have decried as too beholden to corporate interests.
And even Monsanto themselves, the GMO giant and oft-voted “Most Evil Company in the World,” has donated money to schools in order to help implement these standards.
Surely Mr. Oliver, a hero of the local and organic food movements, was well aware of what Gates’ vision of “food education” is all about when he signed up to speak on behalf of Mr. Gates and his initiatives, don’t you think?
So, are you satisfied with Oliver’s explanation? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook here.
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About Nick Meyer
