Agricultural Biotechnology and the Seed Industry: Some Implications for Food Production and Security

Abstract

Biotechnology has the capacity to boost food production and promote sustainable agricultural development on high and low potential lands. Since seed is the delivery vehicle for agricultural biotechnology, this technology can only benefit farmers if they have access to quality seed. While most developed countries have an experienced and mature seed industry, adequate seed supply is mostly sub-optimal in the developing world. Private-sector activities are particularly hampered by institutional constraints. And so promoting a vibrant private-sector seed industry with access to value-enhancing appropriate biotechnologies could help ensure food production and security as well as healthy agricultural communities in developing countries.