Agricultural Biotechnology and the Environment

Probing the profitable new science of creating--and altering--life forms

      "Extraordinarily well documented . . . remarkably clear. This is

        the most comprehensive coverage of these issues to date. It will be required

        reading for some time." -- Lawrence Busch, Michigan State University

      "Krimsky and Wrubel not only describe the components of agricultural

        biotechnology, they address and analyze controversies involving the risks

        and benefits of new technologies. Coverage of technical to social components

        of agricultural biotechnology is unusually complete and thorough. Their

        even-handed and comprehensive approach to these topics is rare and extremely

        valuable." -- Richard Weinzierl, University of Illinois

      Modern agriculture is being transformed by the genetic alteration of

        seeds, animals, and microorganisms, a process that has produced such products

        as flavor saver tomatoes and crops resistant to specific insects or herbicides.

      Agricultural Biotechnology and the Environment is the first comprehensive

        overview of the ongoing transformation of agriculture, exploring the impact

        of genetic engineering from scientific, social, ethical, and ecological

        perspectives.

      Sheldon Krimsky and Roger Wrubel detail the impact the new generation

        of products is expected to have on agricultural practice and the environment

        and assess the degree to which current trends in biotechnology match earlier

        expectations. They also analyze the social and political response to innovations

        resulting from genetic technology.

      Closely examined in each of three areas--transgenic plants, genetically

        engineered microorganisms, and transgenic animals--are technical and scientific

        problems, social controversies, and anticipated environmental impacts.

      An objective, detailed look at a subject of interest to a broad spectrum

        of readers, Agricultural Biotechnology and the Environment will

        be of interest to researchers in the new biotechnology fields as well

        as to educated general readers and policymakers.

      A volume in the series The Environment and the Human Condition