Agricultural Biotechnology

Abstract

Genetic engineering is reshaping agricultural trade and food production worldwide. The development and commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops is the fastest technological revolution that has ever occurred in agriculture. In less than two decades, genetically modified organisms (GMOs)¹ have moved from laboratory research through field testing to commercial production, with the global GM planting area growing at around 10 per cent annually in the last decade. Led by Monsanto, a small number of powerful biotechnology firms have set out to reshape global agricultural markets for key internationally traded crops such as soybean, corn and cotton. More GM crops (e.g. rice, wheat, potatoes) are in the pipeline.