Is Agricultural Biotechnology Part of Sustainable Agriculture? Different Views in Switzerland and New Zealand

Abstract

Most countries claim to be committed to sustainable agriculture. Yet, the meaning of the term 'sustainable agriculture' is largely shaped by influential stakeholders in the public debate and their respective agendas. The resulting national policies to promote sustainability may therefore not always be conducive to improving the economic, social, and environmental conditions of the farming sector. Two recent surveys on sustainable agriculture conducted with stakeholders in Switzerland and New Zealand highlight how such political interests and attitudes determine the role of technology in promoting sustainable agriculture.