Introduction

Agricultural biotechnology is viewed by some people as an opportunity to develop new products for the benefit of producers and consumers, while others are skeptical about the long-term benefits. The consortium partners in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin have different experiences and perspectives that are ideal for conducting research, extension, and education activities dealing with economic, ethical, and social aspects of current and future biotechnology products.

Consortium research efforts will focus on economics, ethics, and social implications of biotechnology in today's world. Economic research conducted by the consortium will focus on the evolution and determinants of product adoption; consumer behavior and industry response; and intellectual property rights. Ethical research will explore values that influence consumer decisions about agricultural biotechnology products and will clarify the values that should guide public policy. Social research will identify factors that account for the wide range of attitudes toward the acceptance or rejection of biotechnology products.

On this website you will find information concerning these areas of agricultural biotechnology along with links to programs at other universities and extension services, workshop registration and educational materials, biotechnology newsletters, and finally, a biotechnology electronic mailing list.

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