| Summary: | Biotechnology has been represented as the key to agricultural sustainability and as a
means of increasing world food supply. The thesis examines the implementation of
agricultural biotechnology policies in Canada, specifically canola and the effects of these
policies on research and development and implications for agricultural sustainability.
Concepts of sustainability were reviewed and a conceptual framework for assessing
agricultural sustainability developed. Approaches to sustainable agriculture were divided into
; growth and conservation oriented approaches. Sustainability criteria were developed within
a conservation-oriented approach. Public involvement was deemed necessary to identify
priorities for sustainable agriculture and create a more socially responsive approach to policy
making. Criteria for effective public involvement were identified through the literature.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) documents were assessed against the
sustainability criteria. Most government documents subscribed to a growth- oriented,
economic approach to agriculture which relegated sustainability concerns to secondary
status.
AAFC's emphasis on economic growth has affected public involvement, research and
development in agriculture, particularly new canola variety development. The process for
variety registration of new canola varieties involves two influential interest groups; both have
strong links to industry and are pro-biotechnology. As a result, biotechnology has been
supported through the process, to the detriment of other technologies. None of the
sustainability criteria were addressed in the recommendation for acceptance for new canola
varieties to AAFC. AAFC, as the decision-makers, accepted recommendations of the interest
groups generally without question. Participation in the process was strictly limited and
represented a narrow range of interests, largely the industrial sector.
Public and private sector biotechnology researchers were interviewed to ascertain
their views of biotechnology in agriculture. Contribution to sustainability was not a primary
motive for identifying research goals and the majority of researchers did not support public
involvement in policy making or technology assessment.
Farmers, as users of biotechnology, were surveyed by mail. Results indicated that
many farmers do not follow recommended agricultural practices and distrust government
sources of information. AAFC does not have the information necessary for assessing the
impact of biotechnology in agriculture.
The thesis suggests methods by which the public could be involved in setting
priorities for agricultural research, policy development and technology assessment. === Science, Faculty of === Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES), Institute for === Graduate
|
|---|
