Technological Change in Agriculture: Locking in to Genetic Uniformity [Hardcover]

Dominic Hogg (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0312227515 | ISBN-13: 978-0312227517 | Publication Date: April 22, 2000

It is well known that modern agricultural techniques are ecologically damaging. This book seeks to understand why, when we have known this for so long, such techniques continue to be used and developed, even when viable alternatives are available. It argues that agriculture has evolved because we have become "locked in" to the cultivation of crops that are increasingly uniform, and therefore vulnerable. The book explains the causes of this process in theoretical terms and through case-studies which reveal that the preference for genetic uniformity involved both more and less conscious choices to exclude more genetically diverse alternatives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This book, by environmental consultant and campaigner, Dominic Hogg, is one of those volumes that anyone involved in agriculture, anywhere in the world, should set aside time to read.' Professor P.J.C. Harris, Editor, Biological Agriculture and Horticulture 'Dominic Hogg poses what may prove to be the new millennium's most critical question: why have we employed a model of agriculture which threatens our future food security? By exposing, in some cases for the first time, reasons for the global adoption of unsustainable farming methods, he has provided an indispensable weapon in the battle to rescue humanity from the technologies which promised to save it.' - George Monbiot, Oxford University 'Dominic Hogg's book investigates with exceptional rigour and clarity a subject of global importance. It stands out from much of the literature in this field, which too often is characterised more by passion than analytical weight. The central object of analysis in the book could hardly be more topical, and is likely to remain an important issue in public debate for a long time to come.' - Professor Peter Nolan, Cambridge University '...an impressive piece of scholarship. Dominic Hogg has greatly increased our understanding of the dangers that plant breeding in maize has had through the reduction in genetic diversity...This book should be required reading for anyone interested in technical change, and not just in agriculture.' - John McCombie, University of Cambridge 'This is a book that should appeal to those with an interest in natural resources science and technology policy...In the context of the ongoing debate around the use of biotechniques in agriculture, the book takes on heightened relevance as critical choices are being made all the time concerning the trajectory for the research and development that underpins our food production systems.' - Professor Stephen Biggs, University of East Anglia --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Dominic Hogg is Senior Consultant with ECOTEC Research and Consulting, Birmingham.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 316 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (April 22, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312227515
• ISBN-13: 978-0312227517
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,790,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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