Communicating About Agrobiotechnology

Abstract

Agricultural biotechnology is a fundamental technology platform that is promising to transform the world food system and bring about an abundance of healthier foods and improve the environment. Yet consumers in some parts of the world have not been as welcoming of the technology as others. Indeed, in Europe and elsewhere consumer opposition grew to such levels as to affect European Union regulation and spark a worldwide debate about the food and environmental safety of genetically modified (GM) crops. And although the debate about GM crops and foods has become more muted in recent months, agrobiotechnology is still making it onto the front page.