Plant & Animal Genomes XV Conference Plant & Animal Genomes XV ConferenceJanuary 13-17, 2007
Town & Country Convention Center
San Diego, CA
In a world where arable land is finite and population growth is on a different trajectory, most would concur that innovation is essential for sustaining and enhancing agricultural quality and productivity. Most such innovative technologies have come into common usage without much controversy or even knowledge by the average consumer. However, some recent technologies, namely biotechnology and more specifically recombinant DNA technology, have inspired debate in a manner unlike any previous technological development. So called genetically modified (GM) crops were grown by 8.5 million farmers on 222 million acres in 21 countries in 2005. This first generation of products focused largely on input agronomic traits, the next generation will focus more on value-added output traits. Interestingly, more than half of the 63 countries engaged in biotech research, development and production are developing countries. There are many and diverse stakeholders involved in the debate over this technology ranging from academic and industrial scientists, to conventional and organic producers, to international, national, federal, state and local government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to activist groups and, of course, consumers. How this technology is viewed depends very much on ones perspective, the organism (or more specifically kingdom) concerned, and the goals and objectives of the different players involved. Although on the surface scientific facts may appear immutable, how those facts are presented makes for an interesting study of the stratagems used by the diverse stakeholders to advance their own agenda for any given target demographic. I will discuss the science its applications, potential and issues surrounding acceptance.