The Role of Biotechnology in a Sustainable Food Supply

The Role of Biotechnology in a Sustainable Food Supply PDF

Author: Jennie S. Popp

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2012-01-31

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 1107375673

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A challenge of our generation is the creation of an efficient system providing sustainable food and fuel from the land whilst also preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. We must feed a human population that is expected to grow to more than nine billion by mid-century. Agricultural biotechnology is one tool that holds potential promise to alleviate hunger and poverty. However, there are complex and interrelated scientific, social, political and ethical questions regarding the widespread use of biotechnology in the food supply. This edited volume discusses diverse perspectives on sustainable food production systems in terms of challenges, opportunities, success stories, barriers and risks associated with agricultural and food biotechnology. The effects of biotechnology on the environment, ethical and moral issues, potential changes to government policies and economics, and social implications are summarised. This book will interest students, professionals and researchers from the areas of bioengineering, agriculture and ecosystem science to economics and political science.

Animal Biotechnology

Animal Biotechnology PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2002-12-29

Total Pages: 201

ISBN-13: 0309084393

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Genetic-based animal biotechnology has produced new food and pharmaceutical products and promises many more advances to benefit humankind. These exciting prospects are accompanied by considerable unease, however, about matters such as safety and ethics. This book identifies science-based and policy-related concerns about animal biotechnologyâ€"key issues that must be resolved before the new breakthroughs can reach their potential. The book includes a short history of the field and provides understandable definitions of terms like cloning. Looking at technologies on the near horizon, the authors discuss what we know and what we fear about their effectsâ€"the inadvertent release of dangerous microorganisms, the safety of products derived from biotechnology, the impact of genetically engineered animals on their environment. In addition to these concerns, the book explores animal welfare concerns, and our societal and institutional capacity to manage and regulate the technology and its products. This accessible volume will be important to everyone interested in the implications of the use of animal biotechnology.

Enzymes in Food Biotechnology

Enzymes in Food Biotechnology PDF

Author: Mohammed Kuddus

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2018-08-23

Total Pages: 909

ISBN-13: 0128132817

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Enzymes in Food Biotechnology: Production, Applications, and Future Prospects presents a comprehensive review of enzyme research and the potential impact of enzymes on the food sector. This valuable reference brings together novel sources and technologies regarding enzymes in food production, food processing, food preservation, food engineering and food biotechnology that are useful for researchers, professionals and students. Discussions include the process of immobilization, thermal and operational stability, increased product specificity and specific activity, enzyme engineering, implementation of high-throughput techniques, screening to relatively unexplored environments, and the development of more efficient enzymes. Explores recent scientific research to innovate novel, global ideas for new foods and enzyme engineering Provides fundamental and advanced information on enzyme research for use in food biotechnology, including microbial, plant and animal enzymes Includes recent cutting-edge research on the pharmaceutical uses of enzymes in the food industry

Introduction to Food Biotechnology

Introduction to Food Biotechnology PDF

Author: Perry Johnson-Green

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2018-10-03

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 135198943X

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Universities throughout the US and the rest of the world offer Food Biotechnology courses. However, until now, professors lacked a single, comprehensive text to present to their students. Introduction to Food Biotechnology describes, explains, and discusses biotechnology within the context of human nutrition, food production, and food processing. Written for undergraduate students in Food Science and Nutrition who do not have a background in molecular biology, it provides clear explanations of the broad range of topics that comprise the field of food biotechnology. Students will gain an understanding of the methods and rationales behind the genetic modification of plants and animals, as well as an appreciation of the associated risks to the environment and to public health. Introduction to Food Biotechnology examines cell culture, transgenic organisms, regulatory policy, safety issues, and consumer concerns. It covers microbial biotechnology in depth, emphasizing applications to the food industry and methods of large-scale cultivation of microbes and other cells. It also explores the potential of biotechnology to affect food security, risks, and other ethical problems. Biotechnology can be used as a tool within many disciplines, including food science, nutrition, dietetics, and agriculture. Using numerous examples, Introduction to Food Biotechnology lays a solid foundation in all areas of food biotechnology and provides a comprehensive review of the biological and chemical concepts that are important in each discipline. The book develops an understanding of the potential contributions of food biotechnology to the food industry, and towards improved food safety and public health.

Global Challenges and Directions for Agricultural Biotechnology

Global Challenges and Directions for Agricultural Biotechnology PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2008-06-30

Total Pages: 74

ISBN-13: 0309178525

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Many developing countries are exploring whether biotechnology has a role in addressing national issues such as food security and environmental remediation, and are considering whether the putative benefits of the technology-for example, enabling greater agricultural productivity and stability in the food supply-outweigh concerns that the technology might pose a danger-to biodiversity, health, and local jobs. Some policy leaders worry that their governments are not prepared to take control of this evolving technology and that introducing it into society would be a risky act. Others have suggested that taking no action carries more risk, given the dire need to produce more food. This book reports on an international workshop held to address these issues. Global Challenges and Directions for Agricultural Biotechnology: Mapping the Course, organized by the National Research Council on October 24-25, 2004, in Washington, DC, focused on the potential applications of biotechnology and what developing countries might consider as they contemplate adopting biotechnology. Presenters at the workshop described applications of biotechnology that are already proving their utility in both developing and developed countries.

The Intended and Unintended Effects of U.S. Agricultural and Biotechnology Policies

The Intended and Unintended Effects of U.S. Agricultural and Biotechnology Policies PDF

Author: Joshua S. Graff Zivin

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2012-03-15

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 0226988031

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Using economic models and empirical analysis, this volume examines a wide range of agricultural and biofuel policy issues and their effects on American agricultural and related agrarian insurance markets. Beginning with a look at the distribution of funds by insurance programs—created to support farmers but often benefiting crop processors instead—the book then examines the demand for biofuel and the effects of biofuel policies on agricultural price uncertainty. Also discussed are genetically engineered crops, which are assuming an increasingly important role in arbitrating tensions between energy production, environmental protection, and the global food supply. Other contributions discuss the major effects of genetic engineering on worldwide food markets. By addressing some of the most challenging topics at the intersection of agriculture and biotechnology, this volume informs crucial debates.

GMO Free

GMO Free PDF

Author: Mae-Wan Ho

Publisher: Square One Publishers, Inc.

Published: 2014-01-23

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13: 0757051111

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The genetic engineering of food crops is an ecological hazard and health crisis that affects us all. Its consequences are global and potentially irrevocable. Yet the decision to use genetically modified organisms is currently being made for you by the government and major multinational corporations. To combat this practice, more than 600 scientists from 72 countries have called for a moratorium on the environmental release of GMOs. GMO Free is the most comprehensive resource available on the science behind this worldwide debate. GMO Free takes a good look at the evidence scientists have compiled, and makes a powerful case for a worldwide ban on GMO crops, to make way for a shift to sustainable agriculture and organic farming. It’s time to take the future of your food supply and environment into your own informed hands. GMO Free will give you the information you need to do so.

Agricultural Biotechnology

Agricultural Biotechnology PDF

Author: Margriet F. Caswell

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 60

ISBN-13: 9780788112829

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Describes the economic, scientific, and social factors that will influence the future of biotechnology in agriculture. Shows that both private and public sector R&D are contributing significantly to the development of biotechnologies. A review of 23 published studies on the subject.