Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Jeffrey M. Smith


 * The following discussion is an archived debate of the proposed deletion of the article below. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page (such as the article's talk page or in a deletion review).  No further edits should be made to this page.

The result was   Snow Keep. Mark Arsten (talk) 15:39, 3 November 2012 (UTC)

Jeffrey M. Smith

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Non-notable dance instructor and obscure advocate of fringe theories. Orange Mike &#x007C;  Talk  00:53, 28 October 2012 (UTC)


 * Keep - Nauseating puff and fluff tone, but this does seem to be a recognized leader in the anti-Genetically Modified Foods movement. See, for example, THIS from the Chico News Review... Carrite (talk) 02:52, 28 October 2012 (UTC)


 * Keep - Jeffrey Smith is referenced and his publications cited (fringe they may be) on multiple other Wikipedia pages on the issues of GMOs, Natural Law Party Politics and the Maharishi movement.  While his views and theories may be fringe, he's frequently referenced in mainstream news media for his activism and should meet the basic criteria for inclusion. CinagroErunam (talk) 18:04, 28 October 2012 (UTC)
 * As you're the creator, it would be helpful to the debate if you could possibly provide a couple links to references in the mainstream news media, either about the subject or quoting him as an expert. Best, —Tim //// Carrite (talk) 18:55, 28 October 2012 (UTC)


 * Here are some examples/citations; I'll add more if needed (a quick search for "Jeffrey Smith" + GMOs in any news archive database will generate thousands of results) - CinagroErunam (talk) 19:30, 28 October 2012 (UTC)


 * Jeffrey Smith appearance on Dr. Oz Show, October 2012.
 * Jeffrey Smith appearance on dr. Oz. Show, December 2010.
 * Jeffrey Smith bio - claims he's been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, BBC News, etc... Biography also claims Smith has "counseled world leaders from every continent, influenced the first state laws regulating GMOs.."
 * Ventura County Star (CA) recently reported on events calling Smith and educator noting, "Jeffrey Smith is the Nation's foremost expert on GMO's..."
 * CBS News referenced Jeffrey Smith in April 2012 noting, "Smith told CBS News' Roland Marconi that there are currently nine genetically modified food crops with corn and soybean along with their derivatives being the most present...."
 * Note: This debate has been included in the Article Rescue Squadron's list of content for rescue consideration. Northamerica1000(talk) 23:56, 28 October 2012 (UTC)
 * The first several don't impress, but the CBS cite does seems to add proof to the notion that this is a recognized expert on Genetically Modified Organisms and thus a reasonable subject for encyclopedic biography. That's my sense anyway. I'm not worked up about this issue, but whether it is fringe hysteria or legitimate science is secondary to the question of the subject's perceived expertise, in my opinion. Carrite (talk) 00:12, 29 October 2012 (UTC)


 * Here is another sample listing of Jeffrey Smith citations from a Factiva News Search (thank you public library) of "major sources" reveals the following references to Jeffrey M. Smith in news reports from around the Globe showing, while his views and background may be "fringe hysteria", that he's a person of influence causing foreign governments to make regulatory and policy changes about agriculture production and food and getting regularly referenced in mainstream media - even being called by Reuters "a scientist" in their reporting: CinagroErunam (talk) 14:11, 29 October 2012 (UTC)


 * The future of food and how we eat; Author searches for compromise between meals in pill form and romanticizing food problems, by Christine Sismondo Special to the Star, 22 August 2012, The Toronto Star "No doubt this will raise the hackles of those in the anti-GMO camp, such as best-selling anti-GMO author Jeffrey Smith..."


 * U.S. activist circles globe to fight biotech crops, By Carey Gillam, 7 March 2008, Reuters, "Jeffrey Smith is a man on a mission. Each day, ever day for the last 12 years, the 49-year-old Smith has made it his personal calling to travel the world preaching against genetically modified crops..."


 * Genetically modified foods subject of speech \ NIAGARA COLLEGE, 24 April 2012, Niagara Falls Review, 2012 Sun Media Corporation: "The impact genetically modified foods can have on our health and the environment will be the topic of discussion at Niagara College on Tuesday evening. Jeffrey Smith, author of Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating, and Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods, will be at Niagara College's Niagara-on-the-Lake campus to talk about genetically modified foods and how we can stop the genetic engineering of the food supply. Smith is an internationally renowned speaker who has lectured in 30 countries and been quoted by world leaders and hundreds of media outlets...."


 * U.S. activist lauds local group's efforts to advocate organic living, (By Worthy Shen and Kendra Lin), 9 April 2012, Central News Agency English News (CHINA), CNAENG, Taipei, April 9 (CNA) American Jeffrey Smith, author of the book "Seeds of Deception," praised a local foundation that promotes organic living during a visit to Yilan County Monday. Smith, who opposes genetically modified crops and travels around the world to advocate organic farming, met with former Premier Yu Shyi-kun during a visit to the Youngsun Culture and Education Foundation the politician founded in 1990...


 * The Shocking Reality About GMOs [analysis], by Dave Opiyo, 12 July 2011, All Africa, "...Jeffrey Smith, who describes himself as a "consumer advocate promoting healthier, non-GMO choices", argued..."


 * 'Seeds of Deception' author to appear in Greenwich, Fairfield, By Christina Hennessy, Connecticut Post, Bridgeport, McClatchy-Tribune Regional News, 20 April 2011, "...April 20--It had already been a busy day for Jeffrey Smith and it wasn't even 11 a.m. This best-selling author had just come from a visit to a school, was about to begin a newspaper interview and in about a half-hour he would be visited by a film crew. Smith, the executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, was in Colorado as part of the No GMO Week, April 12 to 17..."


 * As more consumers become concerned by genetically modified foods, they find they're everywhere, By MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press, 25 February 2011, "..."We're seeing a level of reaction that is unprecedented," says Jeffrey Smith, an activist who has fought the expansion of genetically engineered foods since they were first introduced 15 years ago and written two books on the subject. "I personally think we are going to hit the tipping point of consumer rejection very soon...."


 * Scientist warns on safety of Monsanto's Roundup, 24 February 2011, Reuters News, "...While the evidence is considered preliminary, the potential damage to humans and animals is severe," said Jeffrey Smith, executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology..."


 * Moratorium on GM crops sought, by Special Correspondent, 5 February 2011, The Hindu, "...The declaration was released at a media conference addressed by Jeffrey Smith, author of the popular book, “Genetic Roullette”, Vijayan former chairman of the Kerala Biodiversity Board and P. V. Satheesh, national convenor, Southern Action on Genetic Engineering (SAGE), which organised the round table..."


 * For foodies and film buffs; SoFab adds a movie series to its annual symposium's menu, by Mike Scott, 12 September 2012, The Times-Picayune, "... The full Film Feast lineup: "Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives" (2012, 1 hour 25 minutes, world premiere) -- Jeffrey M. Smith directs a film attempting to link Americans' declining health with the use of genetically modified organisms in food. Screens Thursday after "Shellshocked."


 * ‘Anti-GMO campaign gaining ground in US', by KV Kurmanath, 7 February 2011, Business Line (The Hindu), "...Mr Jeffrey M. Smith, Executive Director of The Institute for Responsible Technology, shot to limelight with his books ‘Seeds of Deception' and Genetic Roulette, has said activists have set up Non GMO action groups in 44 States in the United States to spread the word about health risks GM foods brought in. “The Non GMO Tipping Point Network takes up campaign that ultimately forces companies to withdraw GMOs from their products. The movement has grown very strong in the US. Seventy-five per cent of all milk and yoghurt produced in the country was from cows that were not injected with bovine growth hormone. About 100 dairies have stopped using this,” he said..."


 * Institute for Responsible Technology; Candidate Support Expected to Boost Non-GMO Brands, 6 February 2008, Biotech Week, "...According to leading health management resource, the Institute for Responsible Technology www.responsibletechnology.org consumers have no idea they are consuming flawed, genetically modified foods, and that is unfair. In late November, after reviewing the latest data about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), also known as "biotech foods", all leading democratic presidential candidates agreed to fast track the mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods. Non-GMO brands are expected to benefit (see also Institute for Responsible Technology). "Now consumers will have the information they need to make non-GMO buying choices," explains Jeffrey Smith, executive director of the Institute and Director of the Campaign for Healthier Eating in America...."


 * Global GMO crops grow with political will-ISAAA, By Carey Gillam, 11 February 2009, Reuters, "...One leading biotech crop critic, Jeffrey Smith of the Institute for Responsible Technology, said the fact that 95 percent of genetically modified crops are concentrated in just six countries shows continued wide global distrust of the technology..."


 * Author disputes safety of nonorganic food Activist says genetic modification is dangerous to health, Victoria Pierce Daily Herald Correspondent, 3 January 2004, Chicago Daily Herald, "...Jeffrey M. Smith isn't so sure. The activist and author of "Seeds of Deception" will be in Naperville and Bloomingdale next week to discuss his concerns about the dangers of biotechnology, industry influence and the U.S. government's decision not to label the new foods..."


 * Greens to host author attacked by liberals; GM: Visitor quiet about links with Maharishi cult, by Simon Collins science reporter, 6 February 2004, New Zealand Herald, "...Green MP Sue Kedgley has agreed to host a public meeting for a visiting American author who is under attack for not disclosing his links with the transcendental meditation movement. Jeffrey M. Smith, whose book Seeds of Deception has been republished in New Zealand by Green Party candidate Craig Potton, is described in the book as having worked on genetically modified foods for ``nonprofit and political groups''..."


 * Rattling the food chain, Michael Corkill, 28 February 2004, The Courier-Mail, "...n Seeds of Deception, US author Jeffrey M. Smith gives anecdotal evidence of similar scenarios involving GM crops and pigs, cows, squirrels, elk, deer and rats..."


 * Good Enough To Eat? I Doubt It, Reviewed By John Newton, 3 April 2004, The Sydney Morning Herald, "... Seeds Of Deception By Jeffrey M. Smith Scribe, 292 pp, $30 Five days before Christmas, a short item appeared in the Herald, headlined "Canola crop approved". It reported that this new "genetically altered" (a euphemism for genetically engineered or genetically modified) crop had been approved for commercial use, and that "its advocates" said it would boost yields by up to 40 per cent..."


 * Farmers told to take up battling against anti-biotech groups, By Harry Cline Farm Press Editorial Staff, 2 October 2004, Western Farm Press, "...For example, one of the cornerstones of the California movement is a book called Seeds of Deception by Jeffrey M. Smith, a member of the Natural Law Party, a Fairfield, Iowa, based transcendental meditation organization. Roush said the book is quoted at virtually all anti-biotech gatherings in the state..."


 * Polish Gov't Wants Ban on GMOs in EU, kcjw, 16 October 2007, Polish News Bulletin, "...The conference organisers invited Jeffrey M. Smith, director of the Institute for Responsible Technologies, who in his book presents evidence for the harmfulness of GMOs, including poisoning and allergic reactions..."


 * GM foods a health risk, says author, CLARE PEDDIE, SCIENCE REPORTER, 17 November 2007, The Advertiser (Adelaide, Australia), "...EATING genetically modified food is a health risk, says American author Jeffrey M. Smith. Mr Smith was in Adelaide this week to promote his latest book before a review early next year of the state's ban on growing GM crops..."


 * There's abundant evidence to warn people against GE crops, 28 November 2007, The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia), "... Announcements in Victoria and NSW that genetically engineered (GE) crops will be allowed threaten more than just the income of Australia's farmers and food companies. There is irrefutable evidence that GE foods are unsafe to eat... Jeffrey M. Smith..."


 * Camping with 500 top chefs; Culinary stars to gather to share their knowledge, Pamela Cuthbert Special to the Star, 6 August 2008, The Toronto Star, "...Robert Clarke of C Restaurant in Vancouver will discuss aquaculture and sustainability; author Jeffrey M. Smith will speak on genetically modified food; Toronto chef and sommelier Andrew Laliberte will consider the future of Canadian wine, and so on..."


 * Groups discuss food security for the 21st century and beyond, Indian Country Today, Oneida, N.Y., McClatchy-Tribune Regional News, 16 September 2009, Sante Fe Indian Country Today, "...Keynote speakers include author Jeffrey M. Smith and youth activist Erica Fernandez. Smith is a best-selling author and leading spokesperson on the health dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms. He first captured the public's attention in 2003 with his books "Seeds of Deception" and "Genetic Roulette."..."


 * When every mouthful is a health risk, by LATHA JISHNU, 24 September 2009, Business Standard (India), "...Jeffrey M Smith, a former consultant to industry, is the director of the Institute for Responsible Technology. The institute works with well-known scientists to educate the public about the dangers of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and is in the forefront of the campaign for healthier eating in America. For over a decade he has been writing extensively about the inherent risks of GM foods and his first book, Seeds of Deception, which became a bestseller, made Smith one of the best-known faces of the global anti-GMO movement..."


 * Activists hope CM would block Bt brinjal cultivation, 25 January 2010, New Indian Express, "... The team presented the book titled Genetic Roulette by Jeffrey M Smith, which exploded the myth that GM crops were safe. Dr G Sivaraman, who was part of the delegation, told Express that Bt brinjal would cause “irreversible biological interventions in the long run”.


 * @CinagroE... - can you provide links supporting the claim that Jeffrey Smith featured in the New York Times, Washington Post or BBC News? Or if not dates, times, quotes etc.  Reliable sources like this in the article would further support notability. Kooky2 (talk) 19:14, 30 October 2012 (UTC)


 * Keep Sufficient sources to pass WP:GNG. -- Green Cardamom (talk) 20:44, 29 October 2012 (UTC)
 * Note: This debate has been included in the list of Iowa-related deletion discussions. • Gene93k (talk) 15:33, 30 October 2012 (UTC)
 * Note: This debate has been included in the list of Food and drink-related deletion discussions. • Gene93k (talk) 15:33, 30 October 2012 (UTC)
 * Note: This debate has been included in the list of Authors-related deletion discussions. • Gene93k (talk) 15:33, 30 October 2012 (UTC)
 * Note: This debate has been included in the list of Politicians-related deletion discussions. • Gene93k (talk) 15:33, 30 October 2012 (UTC)


 * Keep Meets the GNG. --Philosopher Let us reason together. 18:42, 30 October 2012 (UTC)
 * Note: This debate has been included in the list of Paranormal-related deletion discussions. Kooky2 (talk) 18:54, 30 October 2012 (UTC)


 * Delete A closer look at the sources in the article reveals that they don't really establish notability as much as would be expected. Many of them deal with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi movement and its practices or reference self published or primary books. I only found two that are true secondary sources that satisfy the WP:GNG. I only looked at the ones I could access online and could not access all of the books or journals completely (although I am confident from looking at what I could access that any mention of Smith would be trivial or non-existent).
 * No mention of Smith plus all the books listed under reference 33
 * Self Published
 * Primary
 * Unreliable in terms of establishing notability
 * Secondary sources


 * One of the two secondary sources include an interview on The Dr. Oz Show ,which I am unfamiliar with (seems like a talk show so not great in my eyes). The Reuters source is the best, but I am not convinced that is enough to justify an article. AIR corn (talk) 04:06, 1 November 2012 (UTC)
 * I note the multitude of sources listed in this discussion, but not in the article. However I would be more convinced if there were sources similar to the Reuters one, where he is the subject or a major focus of the article and it is a relatively major newspaper. I would rather have a few good ones to look a than a list seemingly copied from a search engine, it would only need a few of those to change my mind. AIR corn (talk) 04:19, 1 November 2012 (UTC)
 * Aircorn - I agree that by many definitions and citations included that this person has very fringe beliefs; however, his notability and influence are due to the fact that he's referenced and cited as an expert in mainstream media, online and in multiple places on Wikipedia. As for Dr. Oz Show, it's viewed by 2.5 million people daily and produced by Oprah Winfrey's studios and considered very influential in the U.S.   The Washington Post, a highly influential news source in the United States, has included multiple references to Smith and his related advocacy influence in articles about biotech such as this article from January 2012: Monsanto petition tells Obama to cease FDA ties to Monsanto cite Smith noting, "When Taylor’s appointment was announced, it was criticized by consumers and consumer advocates across the U.S. One such critical consumer advocate, Jeffrey Smith, who campaigns against genetically modified foods... Smith cited as problematic Taylor’s prior involvement in overseeing the policy of Monsanto’s genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rbGH/rbST)..."   Some of the sources on his article are fringe; however, they are not sources to bolster his credibility or influence, they are sources to accurately link to his content and background - which is fringe by many standards as you note and others here have. Smith's notability, as referenced and cited as a "consumer advocate" by mainstream and influential sources such as the Washington Post need this juxtaposition to provide an accurate picture of this individual.CinagroErunam (talk) 13:18, 1 November 2012 (UTC)
 * With the two extra sources linked below by Kooky (and above by you) there is a case for notability. It can be difficult to keep articles on people promoting fringe beliefs from becoming either an attack piece or a shrine. For that reason I think borderline cases should be judged a bit harsher. I can't think of a policy or even guidline for this however. It seems to be in a decent shape at the moment though, so in light of that I will strike my !vote and leave this as a general comment. AIR corn (talk) 06:11, 2 November 2012 (UTC)


 * Keep as this person meets WP:BASIC. Northamerica1000(talk) 08:37, 1 November 2012 (UTC)


 * Keep the article looks as if it is written to satisfy notability based on the quantity rather than the quality of links. Smith seems notable but I had to search hard among the froth to find anything relevant and reliable to support this.  I now believe that the Washington Post,  CBS and Reuters articles satisfy notability. Kooky2 (talk) 16:24, 1 November 2012 (UTC)
 * Keep He is an expert in his field, and has been interviewed on the Dr Oz Show, and other sources found to prove he is notable.  D r e a m Focus  22:36, 2 November 2012 (UTC)
 * The above discussion is preserved as an archive of the debate. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page (such as the article's talk page or in a deletion review). No further edits should be made to this page.