biotechnology

DefinitionBiotechnology refers to the use of

microorganisms such as bacteria or biological substances such as enzymes, to perform industrial or manufacturing processes.

(http://www.mariosalexandrou.com/definition/biotechnology.asp)

The Role of BioTech in AgUSDA plays a key role in assuring that

products produced using biotechnology are safe to be grown and used in the United States.

(http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal?navid=BIOTECH)

How is Agricultural Biotechnology being used?Biotechnology provides farmers with tools that

can make production cheaper and more manageable.

biotechnology crops can be engineered to tolerate specific herbicides, which makes weed control simpler and more efficient.

(http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&navid=AGRICULTURE&contentid=BiotechnologyFAQs.xml)

(Roundup Ready Crops)

Decrease the use of synthetic pesticides(Bt Corn)

Which is better? Pesiticides or GMO’s?

Third World CountriesHelp countries keep pace with demands for

food while reducing production costs

Developers are using biotechnology:Reduce saturated fats in cooking oilsReduce allergens in foodsIncrease disease-fighting nutrients in foodsResearching ways to use genetically

engineered crops in the production of new medicines

Other Benefits of BioTechnology in Ag.Phytoremediation: The plants detoxify

pollutants in the soil or absorb and accumulate polluting substances out of the soil- (substances are then properly disposed)

Conserve natural resourcesEnable animals to more effectively use

nutrients present in feedDecrease nutrient runoff into rivers and bays

Examples Biotech crops may provide enhanced quality

traits such as increased levels of beta-carotene in rice to aid in reducing vitamin A deficiencies

The papaya ringspot virus threatened to derail the Hawaiian papaya industry until papayas resistant to the disease were developed through genetic engineering. This saved the U.S. papaya industry.

Listeria and CampylobacterThe tools of biotechnology have "unlocked

doors" and are also helping in the development of improved animal and plant varieties.

(http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&navid=AGRICULTURE&contentid=BiotechnologyFAQs.xml)