Agricultural Biotechnology: Productivity, Biodiversity, and Intellectual Property Rights
-
David Zilberman
This paper argues that current forms of agricultural biotechnology have significant potential for developing countries; the challenge is to realize this potential. We develop a conceptual model that explains why the yield effects of GMVs (genetically modified varieties) tend to be significant and reduce chemical use, contributing to human welfare, and present results from empirical studies that support these findings. We demonstrate that the adoption of GMVs might not necessarily lead to elimination of many varieties. Instead, crop biodiversity may be enhanced. Finally, we discuss how IPR constraints can be addressed, and new institutions that are already emerging may be used to allow developing countries more access to IPRs.
©2011 Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Article
- Controversies Over the Adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms: An Overview of the Special Issue
- GMOs: Prospects for Productivity Increases in Developing Countries
- Agricultural Biotechnology: Productivity, Biodiversity, and Intellectual Property Rights
- Europe's Regulation of Agricultural Biotechnology: Precaution or Trade Distortion?
- Genetically Modified Food Standards as Trade Barriers: Harmonization, Compromise, and Sub-Global Agreements
- Did StarLink Reduce Import Demand for Corn?
- Genetically Modified Organisms: Rights To Use Commodity Names and the Lemons Problem
- Consumer's Resistance to Genetically Modified Foods: The Role of Information in an Uncertain Environment
- Effects of Information on Consumers' Willingness to Pay for GM-Corn-Fed Beef
Articles in the same Issue
- Article
- Controversies Over the Adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms: An Overview of the Special Issue
- GMOs: Prospects for Productivity Increases in Developing Countries
- Agricultural Biotechnology: Productivity, Biodiversity, and Intellectual Property Rights
- Europe's Regulation of Agricultural Biotechnology: Precaution or Trade Distortion?
- Genetically Modified Food Standards as Trade Barriers: Harmonization, Compromise, and Sub-Global Agreements
- Did StarLink Reduce Import Demand for Corn?
- Genetically Modified Organisms: Rights To Use Commodity Names and the Lemons Problem
- Consumer's Resistance to Genetically Modified Foods: The Role of Information in an Uncertain Environment
- Effects of Information on Consumers' Willingness to Pay for GM-Corn-Fed Beef
