What are the effects of agricultural biotechnology on the environment?
The environmental benefits of biotech crops vary by region and crop. They may include substantial reductions in traditional pesticide use and improved soil conservation practices. University scientists are comparing many of the short- and long-term impacts of biotechnology and alternative technologies. For example, they are studying how non-pest insects and plants are affected and the potential for pests to become resistant to various methods of control. Likewise, university scientists are examining the potential for pollen from biotech crops moving to other crops, and are trying to determine what impact, if any, such pollen transfer might have. Public Involvement Production of a safe and sufficient food supply, grown in an environmentally responsible fashion, is essential for humanity. Like any technology, agricultural biotechnology will have economic and social impacts in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Agricultural biotechnology is just one thread in the complex tapestry asso
