Environmental benefits from the adoption of agricultural biotechnology.
2004
Phipps, R.H.
In a scenario of increasing global population, decreasing land area available for crop and livestock production coupled with a slow down in the rate of crop improvement through conventional breeding, results in a need for new technology. Modern biotechnology can help meet the demands for more food of improved nutritional quality, with reduced crop losses in a manner safe for both humans and the environment. The importance of biotechnology is emphasised by fact that between 1996 and 2003 over 300 million ha of genetically modified (GM) crops have been grown in eighteen countries. While accepting that in some parts of the world GM technology is still controversial, the environmental benefits associated with its introduction are described. These include reduced pesticide use, a change in pesticide type, which has helped to protect water supplies and has reduced the cases of poisoning associated with some conventional sprays. Reduced field operations and the concomitant reduction in diesel use and greenhouse gas emissions arising from the use of GM crops and how their use has encouraged farmers to move to "No-Till" crop management with its associated environmental benefits are highlighted. The potential of nutritionally enhanced GM crops with improved nutrient digestion to reduce livestock wastes and the subsequent risk of nitrogen and phosporous pollution are described together with the potential environmental benefits from bioremediation, biosensors and biofuels. The paper concludes by highlighting the potential of Life Cycle Analysis (cradle to grave), to reflect the impact of GM crops on the environment and human health.
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