AgBioForum, vol. 18, no. 1 (2015)
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AgBioForum focuses on the interactions of agrobiotechnology with economics and with sociopolitical processes, publishing articles reporting on current research. Both invited and submitted referred contributions are published. AgBioForum is committed to providing a space where academics, private and public sector analysts, and decision makers can present timely scientific evidence to enrich the ongoing public debate regarding the economic and social impacts of agricultural biotechnology.
AgBioForum is supported by the Illinois Missouri Biotechnology Alliance, which is supported by a Congressional Special Grant to provide funding for University biotechnology research.
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Item Farmer Experience with Weed Resistance to Herbicides in Cotton Production(University of Missouri, 2015) Zhou, Xia "Vivian"; Larson, James A.; Lambert, Dayton M.; Roberts, Roland K., 1950-; English, Burton C.; Bryant, Kelly J.; Mishra, Ashok K.; Falconer, Lawrence L.; Hogan, Robert J., Jr.; Johnson, Jason L.; Reeves, Jeanne M.A mail survey of 2,500 potential cotton farmers in 13 southern cotton-producing states was conducted in 2012 to assess the temporal and geographic extent of weed resistance to herbicides in cotton production, appraise changes in production practices after the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds, evaluate the effectiveness of those changes in managing resistant weeds, and ascertain the influence of herbicide-resistant weeds on cotton weed-control costs. Over two-thirds of the farmers surveyed reported herbicide-resistant weeds on their farms. Pigweed and horseweed were the dominant resistant weed problems, accounting for 61% and 25% of the responses, respectively. Newly observed infestations of pigweed and horseweed peaked in 2008-2009 and have declined thereafter. Farmers relied extensively on labor-intensive and mechanical/chemical practices to control resistant weeds. The proportion of farmers in the sample who indicated they had total weed control costs of $50 or more per acre nearly doubled with the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds on their farm.Item Special Issue on Agri-biotech Studies from Policy and Regulatory Perspectives : Editorial Notes(University of Missouri, 2015) Gilmour, Brad; Dang, Hugh; Ma, JenniferSince the idea of a special issue related to agri-biotech policy and regulatory studies came into mind, we have received support from a number of well-known experts. Without their support, this special issue might not be produced.Item Technological Opportunity, Regulatory Uncertainty, and Bt Cotton in Pakistan(University of Missouri, 2015) Spielman, David J.; Nazli, Hina; Ma, Xingliang; Zambrano, Patricia; Zaidi, FatimaGenetically modified, insect-resistant Bt cotton has been adopted extensively across Pakistan's cotton-growing regions during the past decade, and prior studies have linked Bt cotton adoption to both reductions in on-farm production costs and increases in cotton yields. However, studies also suggest that there is much confusion in the market for Bt cotton seed, stemming largely from weak regulation and the dissemination of seed of unknown quality to farmers. The persistence of uncertainty in Pakistan's market for Bt cotton seed may have consequences for cotton production, rural livelihoods, and Pakistan's wider economy. This article aims to shed new light on Bt cotton in Pakistan. First, the article explores the technological, economic, and institutional aspects to Bt cotton, the history of its introduction in Pakistan, and the controversy that has accompanied it during the past decade. Second, the article characterizes cotton-producing households across several dimensions using household survey data collected in 2012. Third, the article examines areas for further policy-relevant research that could improve the capacity of cotton-producing households in Pakistan to realize greater benefits from Bt cotton cultivation.Item India's Agri-Biotech Policies, Regulations, and Decision-making(University of Missouri, 2015) Dang, Hugh; Gilmour, Brad; Kishor, NawalIndia is one of the most significant emerging economies in the world. With a population of over 1.2 billion, India's agri-biotech development from cotton and brinjal (eggplant) to other crops as well as relevant trade concerns is growing in importance within a global context. While agri-biotech is still highly controversial in India, its major agri-biotech product, Bt cotton, reached 11 million hectares in 2013, an increase of 3% compared to the previous year. This represents more than 6% of the global agri-biotech crop area, which ranks it at number five, right after the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Canada, and before China. India has been identified as one of the key markets to Canada. The market access for Canadian canola seed and canola oil in India is complicated by several issues, including the GM regulatory issue. This article discusses aspects of India's agri-biotech crops, including the current status, policy development, and institutions. It also looks into its potential impact of agriculture and trade on Canada and the rest of the world.Item China's Agri-Biotech Policy, Regulation, and Governance(University of Missouri, 2015) Gilmour, Brad; Dang, Hugh; Wang, XiaobingChina's agri-biotech crop cultivation ranks as 6th in the world after the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and India. Policy and regulatory issues become most important for agri-biotech crops' development in China and the rest of the world. With its new leadership established in the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in November 2012, the State Council released its Biological Industrial Development Plan one month later in December 2012. Along with other significant policies, this document reveals China's policy developments related to biotechnology, which is influencing the county and the rest of the world. While reviewing these latest policy developments, this study looks into China's agri-biotech-related regulations and programs, as well as reviews its governance institutions. Focusing on a policy and institutional analysis, the study looks into China's challenges with its bureaucratic system in a global context.