Name: Regulating Agricultural Biotechnology: Economics and Policy: 30 2006th Edition
Author: Richard E. Just (Editor), Julian M. Alston (Editor), David Zilberman (Editor)
ISBN: 9780387369525

Regulating Agricultural Biotechnology: Economics and Policy: 30 2006th Edition book cover

Regulating Agricultural Biotechnology: Economics and Policy: 30 2006th Edition

Author(s): Richard E. Just (Editor), Julian M. Alston (Editor), David Zilberman (Editor)

Publisher: Springer
Publication Date: 12 Oct. 2006
Edition: 2006th
Language: English
Print length: 740 pages
ISBN-10: 038736952X
ISBN-13: 9780387369525

Book Description

REGULATING AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY: ECONOMICS AND POLICY Chapter 1 REGULATING AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW Richard E. Just,* David Zilberman/ and Julian M. Alston * University of Maryland, * University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Davis Abstract: This chapter introduces the topic of this book, drawing upon the content of its chapters. An overview is provided on the economics of technological regulation as applied to agricultural crop biotechnologies. Key elements of agricultural biotechnology regulation in the United States are summarized. Key words: agricultural biotechnologies, causes and consequences of technological regula tion, overview and synthesis 1. INTRODUCTION Agricultural biotechnologies apply modern knowledge in molecular and cell biology to produce new varieties and similar genetic materials. The use of genetically modified (GM) crop varieties has grown dramatically since they were introduced in 1995, and large portions of the land allocated to corn, soybeans, and cotton are grown with these varieties. The evidence from the United States, Canada, China, India, Brazil, and Argentina suggests that these applications of biotechnology in agriculture increase yield, reduce the use of pesticides, and save production costs.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This book presents the first thorough economic analysis of current agricultural biotechnology regulation. The contributors, most of whom are agricultural economists working either in universities or NGOs, address issues such as commercial pesticides, the costs of approving new products, liability, benefits, consumer acceptance, regulation and its impacts, transgenic crops, social welfare implications, and biosafety.

Richard E. Just is Distinguished University Professor and former Chair, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Maryland at College Park.

Julian M. Alston is Professor, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California at Davis.

David Zilberman is Chair, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California at Berkeley.

About the Author