Given the imperatives faced by the multinationals to develop and exploit markets for advanced biotechnologies, one might expect private life science companies to speak with one positive voice about the benefits of genomics. For these advocates of high-tech farming, anything less than a complete embracing of biotechnology represents a dangerous diversion that can lead to reduced crop yields, an increased threat of famine, and ultimately social unrest. Genomics is clearly becoming a focal point for a broad array of programs and activities in colleges of agriculture. However, previous research on the perspectives and values of agricultural scientists suggests that the academic community may hold multiple perspectives on advanced biotechnologies. Disciplinary differences are especially important in understanding varying viewpoints held by researchers in colleges of agriculture.
Scientists typically receive all or most of their education within the same disciplines.
They rarely subscribe or publish outside disciplinary lines. Overall, the most important goals for agricultural research are the creation of disciplinary knowledge and the increase of agricultural productivity. Two views of agricultural biotechnologies There are at least two distinct views within the land grant system about advanced agricultural biotechnologies. The predominant view is that the role of the land grant system is to educate the public about all aspects of these emerging technologies. Thus, many land grant universities have organized symposia, developed outreach materials, and established liaisons between the public and the university to address questions and disseminate information about biotechnology research on campus.