Agricultural Biotechnology and the Environment

      Probing the profitable new science of creating--and altering--life forms       "Extraordinarily well documented . . . remarkably clear. This is         the most comprehensive coverage of these issues to date. It will be required         reading for some time." -- Lawrence Busch, Michigan State University       "Krimsky and Wrubel not only describe the components of agricultural         biotechnology, they address and analyze controversies involving the risks         and benefits of new technologies. Coverage of technical to social components         of agricultural biotechnology is unusually complete and thorough. Their         even-handed and comprehensive approach to these topics is rare and extremely         valuable." -- Richard Weinzierl, University of Illinois       Modern agriculture is being transformed by the genetic alteration of         seeds, animals, and microorganisms, a process that has produced such products         as flavor saver tomatoes and crops resistant to specific insects or herbicides.       Agricultural Biotechnology and the Environment is the first comprehensive         overview of the ongoing transformation of agriculture, exploring the impact         of genetic engineering from scientific, social, ethical, and ecological         perspectives.       Sheldon Krimsky and Roger Wrubel detail the impact the new generation         of products is expected to have on agricultural practice and the environment         and assess the degree to which current trends in biotechnology match earlier         expectations. They also analyze the social and political response to innovations         resulting from genetic technology.       Closely examined in each of three areas--transgenic plants, genetically         engineered microorganisms, and transgenic animals--are technical and scientific         problems, social controversies, and anticipated environmental impacts.       An objective, detailed look at a subject of interest to a broad spectrum         of readers, Agricultural Biotechnology and the Environment will         be of interest to researchers in the new biotechnology fields as well         as to educated general readers and policymakers.       A volume in the series The Environment and the Human Condition