Ag biotech pipeline: What’s in the lineup?

Abstract

Peggy Lemaux points out that new applications of genetic engineering in agriculture are not limited by the technology. Progress is clouded by factors outside the control of scientists, particularly of academic scientists, like high regulatory costs and limited access to key technologies because of intellectual-property protection. Consumer-acceptance will also be important. It is likely that modern biotechnology will play an increasingly important role in other countries—China for example—where these issues are not likely to be key factors.