hot science, hot potato
a show on the theme of genetic modification

The show opens with a bird flying across varied landscapes showing different kinds of agriculture from the green fields of Cornwall, to the deserts of Australia and the rice paddies of Asia.

The narrator's voice introduces the theme of genetic modification.

The action plays out on a family farm. Grandma tends her vegetable patch by hand and rejects anything more modern than a spade. Grandpa is open to new ideas and will use anything that reduces hard labour.

Tom, their grandson, is inquisitive and looking for ways to help but his ideas for modifying plants to improve their characteristics are stolen by Barry who will ruthlessly exploit any commercial opportunity.

The show reveals the ethical complexities surrounding GM technology and aims to raise awareness and introduce aspects of this controversial technology to the audience.