The Role of Biotechnology in a Sustainable Food Supply - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 052119234X ISBN 13: 9780521192347

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2012

Synopsis

A challenge of our generation is the creation of an efficient system providing sustainable food and fuel from the land whilst also preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. We must feed a human population that is expected to grow to more than nine billion by mid-century. Agricultural biotechnology is one tool that holds potential promise to alleviate hunger and poverty. However, there are complex and interrelated scientific, social, political and ethical questions regarding the widespread use of biotechnology in the food supply. This edited volume discusses diverse perspectives on sustainable food production systems in terms of challenges, opportunities, success stories, barriers and risks associated with agricultural and food biotechnology. The effects of biotechnology on the environment, ethical and moral issues, potential changes to government policies and economics, and social implications are summarised. This book will interest students, professionals and researchers from the areas of bioengineering, agriculture and ecosystem science to economics and political science.

About this title

Book Description

One of the main challenges of our generation is the creation of an efficient system that provides sustainable food, feed, fiber, and fuel from the land while also preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. This edited volume - which includes contributions from leading scholars in many different fields - discusses the many factors in the use of agricultural and food biotechnology as we work toward sustainable food production systems. The focus includes diverse perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, success stories, barriers, and risks associated with biotechnology. Further studies on the effects of biotechnology on the environment are summarized. The book also discusses relevant ethical and moral issues, potential changes to government policies and economics, and other social implications of agricultural biotechnology. This comprehensive and interdisciplinary book will be of great interest to students, professionals, and researchers in various fields - from bioengineering, agriculture, and ecosystem science, to economics and political science.

About the Author

Jennie Popp is a Professor of Agricultural Economics and Area Director of the Center for Agricultural and Rural Sustainability at the University of Arkansas. Her research areas include the economics of water and soil quality, risk management for agricultural producers and assessment of best management practices for agriculture.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 052119234X
• ISBN 13: 9780521192347
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 296
• Editor: Popp Jennie S., Jahn Molly M., Matlock Marty D., Kemper Nathan P.