AgBioForum, vol. 20, no.1 (2017)
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By publishing timely novel, and insightful articles, AgBioForum enhances the ongoing dialogue on agbiotech management and economics. Leading the way to socially responsible and economically efficient decisions in science, public policy, and commercialization is the very purpose of AgBioForum.
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Item Florida citrus growers' first impressions on genetically modified trees(University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 2017) Singerman, Ariel; Useche, PilarCitrus greening is jeopardizing the Florida citrus industry. A line of research some expect to be the ultimate solution to the disease is developing trees that are resistant to it by using genetic modification. Little, though, is known regarding the willingness of US citrus growers to adopt GM technology, their concerns surrounding its adoption, or even the degree to which the disease has impacted them. Thus, we present growers' survey-based estimates of the significant impact of citrus greening on citrus operations in Florida as well as growers' self-assessed level of information, potential concerns, and impressions regarding potential adoption of GM technology as a way to deal with the disease. We also examine growers' preferences on desirable attributes of a Huanglongbing-resistant tree. The most significant heterogeneity in producers' concerns and trait preferences lies in the areas of environment, safety, and gene origin.Item Modern biotechnology for innovation of agricultural development in the developing world : what role can Japan play?(University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 2017) Adenle, Ademola A.Genetically modified organism (GMO) technology is among a wide range of modern agricultural biotechnologies that is undergoing research and development (R and D) for developing countries in Japan, although GM crops have not been adopted in Japan itself. A semi-structured interview based on 52 stakeholders revealed the perspectives of scientists and other relevant participants inside and outside Japan on biotechnology R and D partnerships between Japan and developing countries and on the future delivery of biotech products such as GM crops in developing countries. This study examines domestic challenges associated with the potential adoption of GM crops and the impact of the domestic position on its partnerships with developing countries, as well as discusses some approaches to address the problems. The article argues that partnership between the Japanese government and their scientists is key to decision making on GMO policy. More importantly, the government needs to demonstrate more commitment by engaging relevant stakeholders including scientists, farmers, consumer organizations, and the private and public sector on important issues relating to GM technology R and D, application, and effective communication of GM products.Item Health-risk concerns vs. medical benefits of the GM technology(University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 2017) Saito, Yoko; Sasakawa, Yuki; Tabei, Yutaka; Ito, ShoichiGenetically modified crops have been controversial from a health -- as well as an environmental -- standpoint, and the science community puts substantial effort into communicating with consumers. Relevant to the communication effort, GM technology is now being used to expand food as well as agricultural functionalities, offering the possibility of wider consumer acceptance. A case in point is the development of a GM rice that alleviates allergic reactions to cedar pollen. We conducted an online consumer survey of those manifesting an allergic reaction and investigated whether they respond positively to the new GM benefit. Our results indicate that respondents who perceive at least the possibility of a consumer functionality in GM technology tend to have little health-risk concern in general, and tend to be willing to try medical rice in particular. The implication is that GM acceptability can be influenced by the presence of a positive functionality and not by just the apparent absence of negative ones.Item Economic and environmental benefits of biotech potatoes with traits for bruise resistance, late blight resistance, and cold storage(University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 2017) Guenthner, Joesph F. (Joseph Frank), 1951-In 2015 biotech potatoes re-entered the US market after a hiatus since 2001. The JR Simplot Company received regulatory approval for its Innate(TM) 1.0 potatoes that have traits for low acrylamide and resistance to bruising and discoloration. Simplot submitted for regulatory approval its Innate(TM) 2.0 potatoes that have the 1.0 traits plus late blight resistance and cold storage capability. This study estimates US benefits for three of the four Simplot traits, with the acrylamide trait not included. Estimates were constructed from US Department of Agriculture data, published research, and interviews with industry experts. Total economic benefits are estimated at $740 million annually. Grower production costs per cwt could go down 28%. Environmental benefits include a reduction of 2.5 million acre-applications of pesticides, 740 million fewer pounds of CO2 emitted, and 84 billion gallons less water used.Item The costs of coexistence on farms in Germany(University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, 2017) Punt, Maarten J.; Venus, Thomas J.; Wesseler, JustusIn the European Union, freedom of choice between genetically modified (GM) and conventional or organic crops, for both producers and consumers, should be provided through coexistence measures. Coexistence measures at the farm level differ in costs and effectiveness and should not tip the balance for farmers in their cultivation decisions, and therefore it is important to measure these costs. In this article, we investigate the costs of different coexistence measures for farmers in Germany. Currently, GM crop cultivation is outlawed in Germany, but there was a short period from 2005-2008 when cultivation of Bt maize was allowed. We interviewed former Bt maize farmers and their neighbors concerning their experience with Bt maize cultivation and the costs of coexistence measures. The results show the clear differences in burden between the different measures. In addition, we show that there are important differences in farm characteristics and overall landscape configuration that influence the costs or burden of coexistence measures.