BIOTECHNOLOGY

Agricultural biotechnology

Contents:  1. Executive Summary and Recommendations.  2. Scientific Aspects.  The power of biotechnology. Using gene transfer to enhance, agriculture. New approaches to crop productionn. New approaches to animal agriculture. Bioprocessing opportunities. Conclusions. Recommendations.  3. Funding and Institutions.  4. Training.  5. Technology Transfer.  References.  Appendix: Gene Transfer Methods Applicable to Agricultural Organisms.  Index.

Author: Committee on a National Strategy for Biotechnology in Agriculture.  Board on Agriculture.  National Research Council (USA).  Washington, 1987. 206 p.

Publisher: National Academy Press

Agricultural biotechnology an economic perspective

Abstract: “The development of agricultural biotechnology offers the opportunity to increase crop production, lower farming costs, improve food quality and safety, and enhance environmental quality. This report describes the economic, scientific, and social factors that will influence the future of biotechnology in agriculture. The supply of biotechnology innovations and products will be affected by public policies and by expectations of producer and consumer demand for the products. The demand for biotechnology by farmers and food processors is derived from the expected profitability of using the technology as an input to production. Ultimately, the use of biotechnology in the farm sector will depend on consumer demand for the biotechnology-derived agricultural product”.

Author: David Schimmelpfennig, Jan Lewandrowski, John Reilly, Marinos Tsigas, Ian Parry, Roy Darwin, Zhuang Li, Robert Mendelsohn, and Tim Mount.  Agricultural Economic Report No. 687. 64 pp, May 1994.

Agricultural biotechnology in the developing world

Contents: Biotechnology in agriculture, forestry and fisheries - FAO policy and strategy. Biotechnology in the CGIAR system. Biotechnology in agriculture, forestry and fisheries in Africa. Agricultural biotechnology in the Asia-Pacific region. Current status and future prospects of modern biotechnologies in Latin America and the Caribbean. Status and prospects of biotechnology in the Near East and North Africa.

Editado por:  Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy.  FAO RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY PAPER 6, 1995. M-06. ISBN 92-5-103626-8

Agricultural Crop Issues and Policies

Contents: An Overview of Genetic Resources Management.  Part I: Basic Science Issues.  1. Genetic Vulnerability and Crop Diversity.  2. Crop Diversity: Institutional Responses.  3. In Situ Conservation of Genetic Resources.  4. The Science of Collecting Genetic Resources.  5. The Science of Managing Genetic Resources.  6. Using Genetic Resources.  7. Biotechnology and Germplasm Conservation.  8. Documentation of Genetic Resources.  9. The Conservation of Genetic Stock Collections.  10. The Genetic Resources of Microorganisms.  Part II: Policy Issues.  11. Exchange of Genetic Resources: Quarantine.  12. Exchange of Genetic Resources: Proprietary Rights.  13. Genetic Resources: Assessing Economic Value.  14. Conflicts Over Ownership, Management, and Use.  15. National and International Programs.  References.  Glossary.  Abbreviations. 

Author: Committee on Managing Global Genetic Resources: Agricultural imperatives. Board on Agriculture. National Research Council.  Washington, 1993. 452 p.

Publisher:  National Academy Press.

Agriculture, an overview. BIO. "What is Biotechnology?" Washington, D.C.: Biotechnology Industry Organization 

"Techniques aimed at crop improvement have been utilized for centuries. Today, applied plant science has three overall goals: increased crop yield, improved crop quality, and reduced production costs. Biotechnology is proving its value in meeting these goals. Progress has, however, been slower than with medical and other areas of research. Because plants are genetically and physiologically more complex than single-cell organisms such as bacteria and yeasts, the necessary technologies are developing more slowly".

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Applying the precautionary principle to genetically modified crops  (Consult this paper in the section  Documentos of  Porque biotecnología down "Aplicando el Principio Precautorio a los Cultivos Genéticamente Modificados en inglés)

Contents: Introduction.  A framework for applying the precautionary principle under competing uncertainies.  Potential benefits of bioengineered crops.  Environmental benefits. Public health benefits. Potential costs of bioenfineered crops. Adverse environmental consequences. Adverse Public health consequences. Applying the precautionary principle. Public health consequences.  Environmental consequences.  Conclusion.  Figure 1. Net habitat loss to cropland vs. increase in agricultural productivity, 1997 to 2050.  Figure 2. Cereal yields as a function of national per capita gross domestic product (GDP) 1995.  Table 1.  Current extent of public health problems partly of wholly caused by insufficient food or poor nutrition, and the likelihood that they could be alleviated using GM, rather than conventional, crops.

Author: Indur M. Goklany (Center for the Study of American Business, Washington University).  Policy Study Number 157.  August 2000.

Biotechnolgy and Food

(Consult this paper in the section  Documentos of  Porque biotecnología)

Contents: 1. Introduction: Biotechnology and the consumer. Biotechnology: The background facts. DNA, genes and proteins. 2. Genetic modification of food: Yesterday’s biotechnology. Conventional breeding practices. Conventional breeding practices. Today’s modern (rDNA) biotechnology. Food crops. Herbicide resistance. Insect resistance. Disease resistance, Delayed ripening. Enhaced quality. Food-processing advances.  Tomorrow’s biotechnology: anticipated.  Products and benefits. Farmer-oriented products. Consumer-oriented products. GM animals and animal husbandry advances. Veterinary medicine. Animal growth and foof production. Food-processinng advances. Helping the developing world. Industrial products.  3. The public debate. Biodiversity: enhancing yield, sparing primitive forests. Sustaining biodiversity. View of scientists on the safety of biotechnology. General food safety issues.  Specific issues in the popular press. Rats. Allergens. Bt corn and monarch butterflies. Plants wiith selectable marker genes. Are marker genes safe?  4. The safety of biotechnology foods. How does the FDA ensure safety.  Why is mandatory premarket testing for all genetically modified foods a bad idea? Labeling issues.  What about the sources of genes in foods?  5.  Conclusions.  6. References and further reading.  7. Glossary/Appendix.

Author: Prepared for the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) by Alan McHughen, D. Phil.  Second edition, september 2000.

Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee - Genetically Modified Foods

The Regulation of Genetically Modified Foods: "The recommendations included in these reports are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect CBAC's views or position. CBAC is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of the information contained in these reports. Users wishing to rely on this information should consult directly with the sources of this information".

The documents that you can consult in full text are:

• "Analysis of Relevant Canadian Legislation". 

• "Food and Agricultural Biotechnology: Incorporating Ethical Considerations". 

• "Inside the Canadian Biotechnology Regulatory System: A Closer Exploratory Look". 

• "International Approaches to Non-Science Issues in Regulating the Products of Biotechnology". 

• "International Comparison of Regulatory Frameworks for Food Products of Biotechnology". 

• "Labelling of GMO Products: Strategic Trade Policy Considerations for Canada". 

• "Meeting the Public’s Need for Information on Biotechnology". 

• "Regulators and Promoters of Genetically Modified Foods in the Government of Canada: Secondary Analysis of Public Opinion". 

• "Status Report and Commentary on the International Debate Over the Precautionary Principle". 

• "Transforming Agriculture, The Benefits And Costs Of Genetically Modified Crops". 

DNA Fingerprinting in Agricultural Genetics Programs (Biotechnology Information Series*)

Contents: Traditional Crop and Livestock Breeding Programs. DNA Structure. DNA Fingerprinting. Applications of DNA Fingerprinting. Glossary.  November 1994.

* The Biotechnology Information Series is a set of publications developed by ISU Extension and the Office of Biotechnology. Each bulletin in the series provides easy-to-read information about biotechnology products and techniques for the non-scientist. The purpose of the bulletins is not to promote or discourage the use of any biotechnology product, but to provide objective information to help consumers make decisions concerning their use. 

Author: Maintained by: Joel Nott, Assistant Scientist II, gbh@iastate.edu, Iowa State University, all rights reserved . URL: http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/default.html  

Economic Issues in Agricultural Biotechnology

Abstract: "This report analyzes the economic aspects of several key areas--agricultural research policy, industry structure, production and marketing, consumer issues, and future world food demand--where agricultural biotechnology is dramatically affecting the public policy agenda".

Contents: Important Changes in the Agricultural Input Industry. Forces Driving Changes in the Agricultural Input Industry--Plant Breeding and Biotechnology. Trends and Contributing Factors. Farm-Level Effects of Adopting Genetically Engineered Crops--Preliminary Evidence from the U.S. Experience. Enhanced Output Traits and Market Coordination. Implications of Testing and Segregating Nonbiotech Crops for Grain Grades and Standards. Public Policy Considerations. Consumer Acceptance. Public and Private Agricultural Research. Meeting World Food Demand--The Role of Biotechnology. Conclusion. ( ERS Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 762. 64 pp, March 2001).

Authors: Robbin Shoemaker, Joy Harwood, Kelly Day-Rubenstein, Terri Dunahay, Paul Heisey, Linwood Hoffman, Cassandra Klotz-Ingram, William Lin, Lorraine Mitchell, William McBride, Jorge Fernandez-Cornejo.

Source: Economic Research Service. U.S. Department of  Agriculture.

Genetically Engineered Fruits and Vegetables (Biotechnology Information Series*)

Contents: The Vegetable Revolution. The Fruit and Vegetable Race. Leaders of the Race - Two Case Studies. The Flavr Savr ' Tomato. Virus Resistant Squash. Federal Regulation of Genetically Engineered. Foods. The Consumer Debate. What To Expect. November 1994.

* The Biotechnology Information Series is a set of publications developed by ISU Extension and the Office of Biotechnology. Each bulletin in the series provides easy-to-read information about biotechnology products and techniques for the non-scientist. The purpose of the bulletins is not to promote or discourage the use of any biotechnology product, but to provide objective information to help consumers make decisions concerning their use.

Author: Maintained by: Joel Nott, Assistant Scientist II, gbh@iastate.edu, Iowa State University, all rights reserved . URL: http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/default.html  

Graphics Gallery

"Graphics Gallery is a series of labeled diagrams with explanations representing the important processes of biotechnology. Each diagram is followed by a summary of information, providing a context for the process illustrated". Table of Contents: a) From Gene to Function. b) Building Blocks. c) Chromosomes and Cell Division. d) Biological Engineering. e) Genetics. f) Viruses. g) Cell Processes.

Source: Access Excellence. The SSite for Health and Bioscience Teachers and Learners.

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Insect-resistant Crops Through Genetic Engineering (Biotechnology Information Series*)

Contents: 1. Where the Story Began. 2. The Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) Chapter. 3. Bt and Biotechnology.  4. Out of Bt. . . Into the Plants. 5. Bt in Corn Confers Resistance to European Corn Borers.  6. Bt Resistance for the Colorado Potato Beetle.  7. Bt Resistance for Cotton.  8. The Insect Resistance Problem. 9. Regulating Bt Plants.  January 1995.

* The Biotechnology Information Series is a set of publications developed by ISU Extension and the Office of Biotechnology. Each bulletin in the series provides easy-to-read information about biotechnology products and techniques for the non-scientist. The purpose of the bulletins is not to promote or discourage the use of any biotechnology product, but to provide objective information to help consumers make decisions concerning their use.  

Author: Maintained by: Joel Nott, Assistant Scientist II, gbh@iastate.edu, Iowa State University, all rights reserved . URL: http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/default.html  

Plant Disease Diagnostics (Biotechnology Information Series*)

Contents: Plant Disease Diagnosis: Moving Out of the Lab and Into the Field. ELISA Diagnostic Kits. Direct Tissue Blotting. Nucleic Acid Probes. Summary.  Marh 1994.

* The Biotechnology Information Series is a set of publications developed by ISU Extension and the Office of Biotechnology. Each bulletin in the series provides easy-to-read information about biotechnology products and techniques for the non-scientist. The purpose of the bulletins is not to promote or discourage the use of any biotechnology product, but to provide objective information to help consumers make decisions concerning their use. 

Author: Maintained by: Joel Nott, Assistant Scientist II, gbh@iastate.edu, Iowa State University, all rights reserved . URL: http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/default.html  

Principles and Practice of Environmental Safety Assessment of Transgenic Plants

Contents: Preface: Disclaimer. Preface. Quality standards for documentation. Chapter: 1. Preface. 2. Concepts and Principles. 3. Host Organism. 4. Donor Organism. 5. Modification Method. 6. Molecular Genetic Characterization. 7. Stability of the Introduced Trait. 8. Expressed Material. 9. Gene Transfer to Related Plants. 10. Gene Transfer to Unrelated Organisms. 11. Weediness Potential. 12. Secondary & Non-Target Adverse Effects. 13. Insect Resistance Management. 14. Appendix 1: Biology of Maize. 15. Appendix 2: Aerobic Soil Degradation of Cry1Ab. 16. Appendix 3: Potential Toxicity of Cry1Ab. 

Source : AGBIOS Agriculture & Biotechnology Strategies (Canada) INC.

Principles and Practice of Novel Food Safety Assessment

Contents: Preface: Disclaimer. Preface. Quality standards for documentation. Chapter: 1. Preface. 2. Concepts and Principles. 3. Host Organism. 4. Donor Organism. 5. Modification Method. 6. Molecular Genetic Characterization. 7. Stability of the Introduced Trait. 8. Expressed Material. 9. Nutritional Data. 10. Toxicity. 11. Allergenicity.

Source : AGBIOS Agriculture & Biotechnology Strategies (Canada) INC.

The Regulation of Agricultural Biotechnology Products

Contents: Preface. The Canadian Regulatory System. The US Regulatory System.

Source : AGBIOS Agriculture & Biotechnology Strategies (Canada) INC.

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