The role of industry in international animal agriculture.

Abstract

The role of agribusiness and the linkages needed with other organizations and governments to be effective in developing countries are examined. After these links are established, then the strengths of business (organizing knowledge, capital, and people into productive and profitable enterprises) can contribute to improved agricultural productivity in developing countries. Technologies and products already transferred and examples of future products of biotechnology (bovine somatotropin to increase milk production and virus-resistant sweet potatoes) are discussed. Higher input systems can be successful in developing countries, as exemplified by the Saskawa-Global 2000 project, which had doubled crop yields of small-holders in some of the poorest countries of West Africa. Combining the forces of U.S. agriculture and its related agribusiness and the new products of biotechnology, the United States has an opportunity to provide the leadership in both a moral and material way to ensure there is sufficient food for all people as we move into the third millennium.