Australian Development Gateway

The Australian Development Gateway (ADG) strives to support members of the development community in their efforts to reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region. The site has been created with participation from members of government, private, academia and non-government organisations. User feedback mechanisms have been incorporated to guide future directions of the site. The site is optimised for low bandwidth access to enable the widest participation throughout the Asia Pacific region.

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Biotechnology

Can agricultural biotechnology be pro-poor? (pdf 435kb)

This briefing paper provides an overview of the debate between advocates and critics of pro-poor biotechnology.

The main issues in this debate include:
- Biotechnology can deliver elusive solutions to key agricultural constraints, including resistance to pests and diseases, salt and drought tolerance and yield improvements in crops.
- Major increases in international public research funds will be available for both basic and applied research in high-end biotechnology
- Intellectual property issues will be dealt with through public-private partnerships
- The private sector will deliver solutions to developing countries suited to local needs in areas where there are high returns: high value or cash crops, or well established hybrids such as maize

 

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