What is agricultural biotechnology?

Agricultural biotechnology is the science by which you can genetically modify plants to produce improved crop and vegetable varieties. GM crops are grown from seeds which have been modified in a laboratory.

When a scientist genetically modifies a plant, they either insert a gene in the plant own genes or modify a gene already present in the plant. The plant then contains that characteristic held within the genetic code, for example, if you insert a gene that codes for a protein that controls an insect pest, and then the resultant plant becomes able to resist the attack of that particular insect.

There are a number of exciting benefits which result from plant modifications of this kind which offer environment, consumer and economic improvements. These are outlined in more detail in the relevant sections. Please also find more specific briefings for download below:

To view the abc briefing on the science behing GM click here

To view the abc briefing on the role of GM to provide benefits for the consumer click here

To view the abc briefing on GM and its role in creating a more sustainable system of agriculture click here