While the Green Revolution changed how we feed the world, the author explains that new breeding technologies are now needed to address its shortcomings and secure a more sustainable future. The researcher points out that these new tools, which include both genetically modified and gene-edited crops, offer significant potential for agricultural development and global food security.
In this article, the author reviews the risks and the actual impacts observed so far, while also diving into the complex world of regulations. He notes that while the science behind these breakthroughs is exciting and already showing clear benefits, progress is often stalled by overregulation and public misunderstandings.
The study highlights that strict rules in Europe are particularly problematic, as they also affect developing countries in Africa and Asia that could benefit the most from these advancements. Ultimately, the author argues that for these technologies to truly help us meet our goals, we need significant regulatory reforms and a public debate that is grounded in scientific evidence rather than perception.
Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1002/aepp.13044
Reference:
Qaim, M. (2020). Role of New Plant Breeding Technologies for Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 42(2), 129–150.