Plants can be produced that have their own built-in protection from disease and viruses, resulting in higher yields. Characteristics of plants, such as how quickly they mature, their nutritional quality and how soon they begin to spoil can be improved all of which result in more, higher quality food to help malnourished and starving people. And in fragile environments, crops produced with the help of biotechnology can require less tillage, or no tillage, which reduces soil erosion. Likewise, the new crop varieties make it easier to farm marginal land, helping to keep wetlands and rain forests out of food production. The need for biotechnology in Africa is very clear.
Biotechnology is one of the most extensively researched agricultural developments ever.
Recently, over 2,900 eminent scientists from around the world, including three Nobel laureates, signed a statement attesting to the health and environmental safety of agricultural biotechnology. They call for the new crops to be provided to people in third world countries, who need them most. The association represents Canadian health care, agricultural, food, research and other organizations that are involved in biotechnology. An interview with Florence Wambugu, one of Africa s leading plant geneticists. An article by Cr.