The Public Debate on Agrobiotechnology : A Biotech Company's Perspective

Abstract

Since the first commercial release of a bioengineered crop in 1996, planted acres of enhanced crops have increased steadily each year. Yet, public perceptions and knowledge of the benefits of this technology have not kept pace with grower demands for the new tools. Additionally, global regulatory infrastructure and capacity to evaluate and approve the release and import of these products has been uneven and slow. As the global population continues to grow and more people demand a higher standard of living, few solutions offer the promise of genetic modification, namely, to increase agricultural productivity while decreasing its impact on the environment. Monsanto will continue to use the tools of genetic modification for crop improvement, combining germplasm, biotech traits, and agronomic solutions to offer products and systems that will not only benefit producers, but also offer benefits to processors and consumers. As the true, scientifically-based benefits of these products become clearly articulated, support and acceptance of this new tool will lead to the next generation of added value products and consumers will be able to make informed decisions on cost, benefits, and alternative solutions to meeting their demands.