The post-World War II era has witnessed a drastic increase in irrigation activities that have contributed substantially to the massive growth in agricultural production that enables humanity to feed its doubling population. However, a distinction has to be made between the overall positive...

Plant breeding patents, the ownership of biological innovation and associated intellectual property rights (IPR) are the subject of increased attention worldwide. Particularly relevant to the field of biotechnology, this book presents the perspectives of policy-makers and economists on such issues.

This work addresses key issues in market development for genetically modified foods. It focuses on: consumer reactions to GM food information; regulatory issues; farmer acceptance of biotech products; changes in industrial organization in life science and food sectors.