While the benefits of biotechnology have been visible more in the arena of human health care than in agriculture, this technological revolution ultimately may have its greatest impact in the enhancement of efficient agricultural productivity. Whether the full promise of agricultural biotechnology will be realized depends upon the many issues discussed in this valuable report.
The authors, members of the National Research Council Committee on a National Strategy for Biotechnology in Agriculture, summarize effectively the scientific, technical, educational and research support aspects of biotechnology in agriculture. They set forth clear reasons for establishing a national strategy to encourage and sustain fundamental research in this area.
Some observers argue that food surpluses combined with the condition of the farm economy reduce the necessity for innovation in agriculture. The authors deny the validity of such arguments. They argue that current farm surpluses are the result of complex factors and that the struggling ...
