Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture: Economics and Politics [Hardcover]

Gerald C. Nelson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 12, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0125154224 | ISBN-13: 978-0125154222 | Edition: 1

Genetically modified crops have become a topic of great interest among scientists, regulators, consumers, farmers, and politicians. Despite their potential benefits, public hostility toward these crops is causing dramatic changes to import/export policies, food safety regulations, and agricultural practices around the world. Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture provides a comprehensive overview of the subject and a balanced look at the costs and benefits of GMO products.

Part I reviews the scientific, economic, and political issues relating to the use of agricultural GMOs. Chapters cover specific applications, regulatory concerns, import/export patterns, international trade issues, and a discussion of future trends. Part II offers a unique look at all sides of the GMO controversies, with short chapters contributed by leading individuals with widely different perspectives. Part III presents a more in-depth look at selected issues plus helpful reference materials.

This book makes the latest information on GMOs accessible to all interested parties, including students, laypeople, scientists, activists, and professionals working in related fields.

* Additional detailed footnotes and references for the academic
* International contributions from the US, Europe and India
* Covers the perspectives of different groups involved in the controversies: governments, environmental agencies, consumers, industrial agencies and the developing world

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an important bibliographical support for both specialists and researchers, providing information and equally concrete and sound analyses on the economic, social and ambiental characteristics and effects related to the new directions of agriculture's and alimentation's evolution." (Cellulose Chemistry and Technology, May 2004)

"This publication is the best overall and up to date summary of this important subject I have seen. ...The authors, editor and the 30 contributors (all but four from the US) are to be congratulated on an excellent production which should help all sides of the current discussion."
-Nigel Steele Scott, Deputy Chief, CSIRO Plant Industry for FOOD AUSTRALIA (2002)

"There is something to interest scientists, economists and the well-informed lay-person in the book."
-M.O. Humphreys for JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE, CAMBRIDGE (2002)

About the Author

Gerald C. Nelson served as the principal investigator for the report on GMOs to the American Farm Bureau in 1999 and on the biotechnology expert panel for the Institute of Food Technologists in 2000.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 344 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (April 12, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0125154224
• ISBN-13: 978-0125154222
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,724,929 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice intro to GMO ag issues, April 16, 2006

By 

John Mark Galbraith (Santa Barbara, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture: Economics and Politics (Hardcover)

This book is a collection of articles and papers about various aspects of GMO foods. While not as detailed as grad-level specialty publications, it's an excellent--and fair--general introduction to GMO crops and the issues that surround the production and acceptance in the market. If you are looking for a strong introduction this is one of the best I've found.