Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2001

Keywords

biotechnology, transgenic crops, crop modification, farm policy

Abstract

The paper provides an overview of the types of economic costs, benefits, and risks involved with agricultural biotechnology at the farm level, at the market level, and for the farm and food system as a whole. Both advantages and disadvantages of agricultural biotechnology are discussed. Among the drivers of the US domestic and international consumer demand for transgenic crop products discussed in the paper are environmental and food safety concerns. A comparison is made between a 'science-based' regulatory framework and a policy based on the precautionary principle. The authors argue that open dialogue is needed for achieving improved public understanding of agricultural biotechnology, and that analyses need to go beyond discussing the scientific merits of biotechnology, to include social scientists, as well as the public at large.

Publisher

Department of Economics, South Dakota State University

Series Number

2001-06

Number of Pages

34

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