Innovations in Biotechnology - Public Perceptions and Cultural Attitudes. An American's Viewpoint

Abstract

Using historical analogies to China and its suppression of the Treasure Fleets of the 15th century and to the adoption of the “Progress of Science” clause of the United States Constitution in 1789, this article explores the cultural attitudes of risk-amplifiers and risk-minimizers about agricultural biotechnology in Europe and the United States. The article explores these attitudes regarding the nature of agricultural biotechnology, the precautionary approach and precautionary principle, and food labels. The article ends by discussing the domestic and international risks that Europe is taking by its political opposition to agricultural biotechnology. More particularly, the article contrasts these European risks with the technological stances toward agricultural biotechnology in the United States, China, and India.