AgBioForum (Journal)AgBioForum is a journal published by Economics and Management of Agrobiotechnology Center (EMAC) in the Department of Agricultural Economics.https://hdl.handle.net/10355/352024-03-29T14:21:14Z2024-03-29T14:21:14ZAcceptance of Genetically Modified Foods among Maltese Youths : Can Exposure to Formal Knowledge Make a Difference?Zammit-Mangion, MarionAl-Qallaf, AmeerVella, Josephhttps://hdl.handle.net/10355/149272021-08-26T21:46:16Z2012-01-01T00:00:00ZAcceptance of Genetically Modified Foods among Maltese Youths : Can Exposure to Formal Knowledge Make a Difference?
Zammit-Mangion, Marion; Al-Qallaf, Ameer; Vella, Joseph
This article examines the perceptions and acceptance of GM foods in 217 Maltese youths and attempts to establish whether exposure to formal channels of knowledge -- such as biology tuition -- may act to predispose students to be GM-technology receptive. Regardless of gender or academic background, students were found to be supportive of creating GM plants but opposed to the creation of GM animals. However, this study showed that those who had been exposed to formal-based knowledge were generally more positively disposed to purchase plant-derived GM foods, while those who had been exposed to informal knowledge (minimum to no biology) were negatively disposed to the purchase of GM produce. These results have implications for companies producing GM products, as well as decision makers.
2012-01-01T00:00:00ZAddressing Micronutrient Deficiencies : Alternative Interventions and TechnologiesUnnevehr, LaurianPaarlberg, Robert L.Pray, Carl E. (Carl Esek)https://hdl.handle.net/10355/502021-08-26T21:45:38Z2007-01-01T00:00:00ZAddressing Micronutrient Deficiencies : Alternative Interventions and Technologies
Unnevehr, Laurian; Paarlberg, Robert L.; Pray, Carl E. (Carl Esek)
Market failure for nutritional attributes of foods leads to underinvestment in crop breeding to enhance nutritional content of foods. As awareness of the importance of micronutrient deficiencies in the diets of poor people has grown, public investments in research to create biofortified staple crops have increased. The potential for this new approach is assessed in two ways. First, an examination of lessons from established interventions to address micronutrient deficiencies shows where and how biofortification can complement existing interventions and provides guidance regarding potential hurdles to successful implementation. Second, the potential for different crop-breeding technologies to biofortify crops is examined, and the advances that can only be achieved through application of modern biotechnology are identified.
2007-01-01T00:00:00ZThe Adoption and Diffusion of GM Crops in United States : A Real Option ApproachScandizzo, Pasquale L.Savastano, Sarahttps://hdl.handle.net/10355/80122021-08-26T21:45:58Z2010-01-01T00:00:00ZThe Adoption and Diffusion of GM Crops in United States : A Real Option Approach
Scandizzo, Pasquale L.; Savastano, Sara
The article aims at modelling adoption and diffusion decisions of farmers towards genetically modified crops under a real option framework. Modern GM crops help farmers to resolve two main sources of uncertainty: output uncertainty and input uncertainty. Those crops represent a revolutionary form of farming compared to the technology adoption studied in the literature in the late '70s and early '80s. The article develops a theoretical model of adoption and diffusion of new GM crops under uncertainty and irreversibility. We test our theoretical predictions using data from 2000 to 2008 of a panel dataset constructed for 13 US states involved in the production of four different GM crops. These conclusions may appear to contradict the general perception of a delayed penetration for the GM crops, whose success seems to be retarded by lack of information, mistrust, and an exaggerated perception of risks. GM crops tend to be invasive, in that their short-term profitability is so high as compared with the investment needed, that once the hump of uncertainty is overcome, they operate a veritable takeover of agriculture.
2010-01-01T00:00:00ZAdoption and productivity of breeding technologies : evidence from US dairy farmsKhanal, Aditya R.Gillespie, Jeffreyhttps://hdl.handle.net/10355/373482021-08-26T21:46:24Z2013-01-01T00:00:00ZAdoption and productivity of breeding technologies : evidence from US dairy farms
Khanal, Aditya R.; Gillespie, Jeffrey
Adoption and associated profitability of advanced breeding technologies are analyzed for US dairy farms. We account for correlation and selection associated with breeding technology adoption decisions. The bivariate probit model with selection is used to model adoption decisions and least squares with extended correction terms is used for profit, productivity, and cost equations. Results show that more specialized farms with younger, more educated operators having longer planning horizons are more likely to adopt advanced breeding technologies. Artificial insemination positively impacted farm profit and negatively impacted cost of milk production, while advanced breeding technologies positively impacted milk produced per cow.
2013-01-01T00:00:00Z