Journal or Publishing Institution: Chemical Innovation
Study: http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/archive/ci/31/i04/html/04vp.html
Author(s): Lyson, T. A.
Article Type: Journal Publication
Record ID: 1472
Text: If the 20th century belonged to physics, the 21st is likely to belong to biology. Today, basic and applied research in genomics, biotechnology, and genetic engineering is sparking a new scientific revolution. The Human Genome Project is only one aspect of a much larger endeavor to decode and manipulate the genetic makeup of all living matter. Decoding and manipulating plant and animal genomes has the potential to radically transform agricultural and food production. We have already seen the development and diffusion of disease-, insect-, and drought-resistant crops, as well as more-productive farm animals. Biotechnologists are developing edible vaccines that can be incorporated into fresh fruits and vegetables and are working on a broad range of biopesticides, which lead to reduced use of agrochemicals. Ultimately, bioengineered foods may prevent or cure diseases…
There are at least two distinct views within the land grant system about advanced agricultural biotechnologies. The predominant view is that the role of the land grant system is to educate the public about all aspects of these emerging technologies. Thus, many land grant universities have organized symposia, developed outreach materials, and established liaisons between the public and the university to address questions and disseminate information about biotechnology research on campus. Biotechnology opponents often express the concern that land grant scientists too often advocate—rather than educate about—these technologies. From their perspective, educational materials dealing with biotechnology indiscriminately promote a particular viewpoint and do not acknowledge the potential social and environmental problems associated with these technologies.
Although many agricultural scientists believe that the benefits to be gained by developing biotechnologies greatly outweigh any potential costs, a second school of thought in the land grant system endorses a more cautious approach to this line of research. Whereas few agricultural scientists call for an outright ban of biotechnology research, some advocate more inquiry into the impacts of advanced agricultural biotechnologies on the environment, food system, structure of agriculture, rural communities, and population health before large investments are made in this line of research.
To address how advanced agricultural biotechnologies are perceived by scientists in America’s land grant universities, data were collected as part of a larger U.S. Department of Agriculture sponsored regional research project (NC-208) titled Impact Analysis and Decision Support Strategies for Agricultural Research. The objective of the larger project was to analyze decision strategies for agricultural biotechnology research funding by state agricultural experiment stations…
Keywords: Physics, Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Human Genome Project, Agriculture, Drought-Resistant Crops, Novartis, Monsanto, DuPont, Dow Chemical
Citation: Lyson, T. A., 2001. How do agricultural scientists view advanced biotechnology? Chemical Innovation, 31(4), pp 50–53.
