Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/98391 
Year of Publication: 
2003
Series/Report no.: 
Center Discussion Paper No. 878
Publisher: 
Yale University, Economic Growth Center, New Haven, CT
Abstract: 
Genetically Modified Crops (GMO foods) have been widely available to farmers since 1996. The Gene Revolution, based on recombinant DNA (rDNA) genetic engineering techniques, is seen by proponents as both supplanting Green Revolution varieties, based on conventional plant breeding techniques, and potentially enabling 'disadvantaged' production environments, unreached by Green Revolution varieties to achieve productivity improvements. This paper argues that the private firms supplying GM crop products have generally had little interest in selling products in disadvantaged production environments. The paper also argues that present rDNA techniques allow only static gains from specific 'trait' improvements. But these GM products can be installed on Green Revolution varieties where continued dynamic varietal improvement is possible. As a consequence, the Gene Revolution complements the Green Revolution, and because trait incorporation expands area planted to Green Revolution varieties, there is potential for productivity improvement in disadvantaged environments.
Subjects: 
Genetically Modified Foods
Genetic Engineering
JEL: 
O1
O4
Q1
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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