How could we improve food production? Where? When? What? How could we improve food production? How? Why? Who?

“This employs the tools of modern genetics in the age-old process of improving food production.” “Biotechnology helps to produce an abundant supply of better-tasting and more nutritious foods.” Can you explain what you think these statements mean giving any examples you can think of?

For thousands of years, humans have been selecting, sowing and harvesting seeds that produce food products, for sustenance. They have also been baking bread, brewing beer, producing soy sauce and making vinegar. Although thousands of years ago they did not understand the genetic science involved, they were in fact using the principles of biotechnology to make and modify plants and food products. In other words, our ancestors moved and changed genes to enhance the beneficial qualities of food - without really knowing it. Today modern biotechnology allows food producers to do the same thing but with greater understanding and precision.

GREATER CROP YIELDS ints to consider Improved quality of seed grains Increased levels of proteins in certain crops Increased tolerance of crops to drought and flood Heat and cold

You need to consider advantages and disadvantages of. 5 scenarios 1. Insect-resistant rice and other grains. 2. Better-tasting tomatoes all year round. 3. Environmentally friendlier crops. 4. Herbicide-tolerant crops. 5. Modified and healthier cooking oils

Insect-resistant rice and other grains. New varieties produce natural substances to ward off destructive insects. Better-tasting tomatoes all year round. Tomatoes bred through biotechnology can stay on vines longer before shipping to market, so gaining added flavour and colour. (also possible with other fruits such as bananas, mangoes and papayas.) Environmentally friendlier crops. Crops resistant to plant virus disease through a process that gives the plant a genetic "vaccine". Farmers will need fewer chemicals to control the spread of crop disease, particularly melons, bananas, cucumbers and lettuce. Herbicide-tolerant crops. Many crops require treatment each year with herbicides. Soon, genetically modified crops (cotton, corn and soybeans) will allow farmers to use more environmentally friendly herbicides. Giving a reduced overall chemical use. Modified and healthier cooking oils. The fat content of cooking oils derived from corn, soybeans, canola and other plants will be modified.

What are the implications of biotechnology and gene manipulation in food production? Social Ethical Environmental Economic