Engineering the Farm: The Social And Ethical Aspects Of Agricultural Biotechnology [Paperback]

Marc Lappe (Editor), Britt Bailey (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2002 | ISBN-10: 1559639474 | ISBN-13: 978-1559639477 | Edition: 1

Engineering the Farm offers a wide-ranging examination of the social and ethical issues surrounding the production and consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), with leading thinkers and activists taking a broad theoretical approach to the subject. Topics covered include: - the historical roots of the anti-biotechnology movement - ethical Issues involved in introducing genetically altered crops - questions of patenting and labeling - the "precautionary principle" and its role in the regulation of GMOs - effects of genetic modification on the world's food supply - ecological concerns and impacts on traditional varieties of domesticated crops - potential health effects of GMOs Contributors argue that the scope, scale, and size of the present venture in crop modification is so vast and intensive that a throughgoing review of agricultural biotechnology must consider its global, moral, cultural, and ecological impacts as well as its effects on individual consumers. Throughout, they argue that more research is needed on genetically modified food and that consumers are entitled to specific information about how food products have been developed. Despite its increasing role in worldwide food production, little has been written about the broader social and ethical implications of GMOs. Engineering the Farm offers a unique approach to the subject for academics, activists, and policymakers involved with questions of environmental policy, ethics, agriculture, environmental health, and related fields.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Britt Balley is senior associate and Marc Lappe is director of the Center for Ethics and Toxics in Gualala, California. They are co-authors of Against the Grain: Biotechnology and the Corporate Takeover of Your Food (Common Courage Press, 1998).

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Island Press; 1 edition (June 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559639474
• ISBN-13: 978-1559639477
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,847,395 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging & Informative, September 2, 2002

By 

Krandall Kraus "Krandall Kraus" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Engineering the Farm: The Social and Ethical Aspects of Agricultural Biotechnology (Hardcover)

When it comes to topics like bioengineering, a lot of people publish theses and dissertations or they rant on in a political diatribe. Bailey is the rare exception who knows what she's talking about and makes it interesting. It's a refreshing surprise to come across a writer who has not only the scholarly credentials to do the work, but has the life experiences to draw upon to bring the points home. This is like reading a good novel except the characters are real, the planet is ours and the facts are astounding. This book will keep you not only informed and educated on the subject but it will entertain you as well. Now that's the kind of book we all enjoy reading.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific follow-up to "Against the Grain"...., August 3, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Engineering the Farm: The Social and Ethical Aspects of Agricultural Biotechnology (Hardcover)

"Engineering the Farm" is a must-read for anyone who eats...like "Against the Grain" (Lappe & Bailey's first book on the issue), "Engineering" explores the issue of agricultural biotechnology. In this book, Bailey & Lappe turn to a dozen or so other experts, each of whom provides a unique perspective on the impact of biotechnology on our lives--physical, environmental, social, ethical, and even spiritual effects which are too often ignored. Pick one up (and then pass it along!)