Engineering the Farm: The Social and Ethical Aspects of Agricultural Biotechnology by Marc Lappe and Britt Bailey

Engineering the Farm: The Social and Ethical Aspects of Agricultural Biotechnology

Features

Cover Type: Paperback with 200 pages

Published by: Island Press

Edition: 1st Edition June 15, 2002

Written in: English

ISBN 10 Number: 1559639474

ISBN 13 Number: 978-1559639477

Book Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches

Weighs: 11.4 ounces

Book Description

Engineering the Farm offers a wide-ranging examination of the social and ethical issues surrounding the production and consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), with leading thinkers and activists taking a broad theoretical approach to the subject. Topics covered include:

the historical roots of the anti-biotechnology movement
ethical issues involved in introducing genetically altered crops
questions of patenting and labeling
the "precautionary principle" and its role in the regulation of GMOs
effects of genetic modification on the world's food supply
ecological concerns and impacts on traditional varieties of domesticated crops
potential health effects of GMOs

Contributors argue that the scope, scale, and size of the present venture in crop modification is so vast and intensive that a thoroughgoing review of agricultural biotechnology must consider its global, moral, cultural, and ecological impacts as well as its effects on individual consumers. Throughout, they argue that more research is needed on genetically modified food and that consumers are entitled to specific information about how food products have been developed.

Despite its increasing role in worldwide food production, little has been written about the broader social and ethical implications of GMOs. Engineering the Farm offers a unique approach to the subject for academics, activists, and policymakers involved with questions of environmental policy, ethics, agriculture, environmental health, and related fields.

Book Info
Offers a wide-ranging examination of the social and ethical issues surrounding the production and consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), with leading thinkers and activists taking a broad theoretical approach to the subject. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Engineering the Farm: The Social and Ethical Aspects of Agricultural Biotechnology (Hardcover) When it comes to topics like bioengineering, a lot of people publish theses and dissertations or they rant on in a political diatribe. Bailey is the rare exception who knows what she's talking about and makes it interesting. It's a refreshing surprise to come across a writer who has not only the scholarly credentials to do the work, but has the life experiences to draw upon to bring the points home. This is like reading a good novel except the characters are real, the planet is ours and the facts are astounding. This book will keep you not only informed and educated on the subject but it will entertain you as well. Now that's the kind of book we all enjoy reading. Comment | | (Report this)

List Price: $25.00
Available from Amazon
Price: $25.00
Updated on 6-4-2008.