A forum discussing genetically modified food will be held at one of Margaret River’s leading biodynamic wineries next month.

The GM-free Alliance will welcome residents to take part in a seminar at Cullen Wines on Saturday, March 3, featuring a speech from French Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini.

Professor Seralini specialises in molecular biology at the University of Caen in France and is president of the Scientific Council for Independent Research on Genetic Engineering.

Local celebrity chef and event co-ordinator Ian Parmenter said the information provided by the professor might startle some residents who couldn’t comprehend the affects of GM foods.

“I don’t think people get how serious the proliferation of GM crops in WA is,” he said.

“(Professor Seralini) does a lot of touring and to have him come down here and address us, we should feel privileged.”

Residents will be able to pick the brain of the French academic during a special question and answer session.

Mr Parmenter said Cullen Wines was an appropriate venue for the meeting, because owner Vanya Cullen was an advocate for the protection of the region from certain industries and actively used biodynamic techniques to make the estate’s wine.

The event will also feature a cooking demonstration from leading French chef Jerome Douzelet and Mr Parmenter.

Anti-GM Margaret River’s Sally Wylie said GM foods were a real threat to the region’s leading agricultural industries.

“Sourcing fresh and healthy produce is a priority for Australian families, but as GM foods enter the market, it’s becoming harder to know what is real and what is not,” she said.