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Conserving genetic resources for agriculture: economic implications of emerging science

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  • Douglas Gollin

    (Oxford University)

Abstract

New challenges have arrived for the conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Increased pressure on the environment, including the added threat of climate change, has had adverse effects on biodiversity and agricultural systems. Emerging science and new technologies have at the same time altered the scope of possibilities for collection, conservation, and utilization of genetic resources for agriculture. Taken together, these changes imply a need for a refocusing of global strategies for the management of genetic resources for agriculture. This paper argues that simple theoretical models provide relatively little guidance for key questions about genebank management. The fundamental uncertainty of scientific possibility and global futures makes it challenging – and perhaps futile – to attempt economic valuation of gene banks. A more useful application of economic tools will be in the prioritization of collection and conservation. Economic analysis may also offer useful insights into the efficient management of genetic resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Douglas Gollin, 2020. "Conserving genetic resources for agriculture: economic implications of emerging science," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 12(5), pages 919-927, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ssefpa:v:12:y:2020:i:5:d:10.1007_s12571-020-01035-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s12571-020-01035-w
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    1. Changjun Zheng & Sinamenye Jean-Petit, 2023. "The Effects of the Interactions Between Agro-Production, Economic, and Financial Development on Bank Sustainability," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(2), pages 21582440231, June.

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