The Regulation of Agricultural Applications of Biotechnology

Abstract

Few sectors of the world economy will be affected as strongly by biotechnology as agriculture. Biotechnology, particularly recombinant DNA techniques, is expected to result in new plant varieties which are more nutritionally balanced and less susceptible to disease and climatic conditions. For example, approvals have already been sought to field test nutritionally improved corn plants and disease resistant tobacco plants. Also, genetically engineered bacteria to enhance frost resistance in potatoes and strawberries have been developed, and approvals obtained to field test them in the environment.²

Judith R. Curry, a former attorney in the Office of the General Counsel, United States Department of Agriculture, is the Contributing Author for this Chapter.