The Frankenfood Myth : How Protest and Politics Threaten the Biotech Revolution
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Miller and Conko present a timely treatise on how inappropriate and unscientific regulations are stifling biotechnology as it relates to the food industry. They argue that the costs of kowtowing to all current regulations have caused a potentially dangerous curtailment of new research at universities and small biotech businesses. Numerous examples are provided to show how the misinformed--press, responsible government agencies, and big business--have joined forces to limit, singularly, the use of genetic engineering to improve plant performance....An important book, well suited to university courses dealing with science history or policy, as well as to food policy makers. Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals.”–
“[T]hought-provoking.”–
“The strength of this book is that the authors of The Frankenfood Myth are clearly very knowledgeable in the area of policy and regulation as it relates to gene-spliced crops. Their extensive historical treatment of regulation and risk assessment in the USA is especially good reading.”–
“This book provides a fascinating insight into the chasm between hard-science and consumer foodism, and how to 'build bridges' between these sectors ... Whatever your views on GM foods, this book will move you to want to know more.”–
“The book is valuable in a number or ways: it is readable and well referenced so all readers have an opportunity both to read the original claims and to follow later developments. It is a helpful summary of much that has happened in this field over the past ten years. It argues passionately for a simpler view of regulation and that voice should be heard as society scrambles to over-regulate almost everything in sight without considering the cost....[f]ull marks to Miller and Conko whou put their view so well; read the book and think about it, to see if we can get a more level playing field about regulation versus risk.”–
“For those who cannot wait for Crichton to novelise the genetic revolution, and are interested in understanding the reasons agricultural biotechnology has not lived up to its potential and what policies are needed to change that, we join Barron's in recommending Henry Miller and Gregory Conko's The Frankenfood Myth.”–
“[A] new book that questions the wisdom of current gene-splicing regulations.”–
“[S]erves as a fascinating study in how bad science and intellectual perfidy can so easily hijack government response to an issue. Miller and Conko add a solemn - and quite disheartening - reminder that the wealthy nations of the world will not be the ones to suffer the most from regulatory crush. Those at the margins of development, where an increase in crop yield or a decrease in pest damage could mean surplus instead of subsistence, or survival instead of starvation, will likely feel the greatest impact of GM agriculture. The unjustifiable obstruction of this humanitarian potential by so-called consumer advocates and environmental activists makes these well-fed protestors appear utterly unconcerned about the troubles of the real world.”–
“The authors show how foolish policies--premised on junk science, media sensationalism and the mixed motives of bureaucrats and corporations--are choking off a wonder-technology....[M]essrs. Miller and Conko urge those who know the truth about gene splicing to tell it--forcefully.”–
“The heated debate over so-called Frankenfoods is not only about the pros and cons of genetically manipulating crops to improve their nutritional value and resistance to disease; it also concerns intellectual honesty. For years, activists opposed to the new science have been spreading unfounded and inaccurate horror stories, threatening to derail progress vitally needed to feed the world. The Frankenfood Myth by Henry Miller and Gregory Conko takes a long, hard look a both the new agricultural biotechnology and the policy debate surrounding it.”–
“[T]he book is perfect for policymakers....If the authors are correct--and they make a compelling case--then GM food phobes and regulators have made the world a poorer place. The losses could become even graver if GM food phobes continue to have their way....Great costs have already come from the myth that GM foods are unfit for consumption. "Frankenfoods" should have a place at the table of all who want them.”–
“[A]n important book.”–
“A fine look at all the issues involved, and the myths and realities of 'frankenfoods'.”–
“Readers who care a lot about regulatory processes will unquestionably enjoy The Frankenfood Myth.”–
Book Description
Few topics have inspired as much international furor and misinformation as the development and distribution of genetically altered foods. For thousands of years, farmers have bred crops for their resistance to disease, productivity, and nutritional value; but only since the 1970s have advances in biotechnology (or gene-splicing to be more precise) upped the ante, with the promise of dramatically improved agricultural products--and public resistance far out of synch with the potential risks. In this provocative and meticulously researched book, Henry Miller and Gregory Conko trace the origins of gene-splicing, its applications, and the backlash from consumer groups and government agencies against so-called "Frankenfoods"--from America to Zimbabwe. They explain how a "happy conspiracy" of anti-technology activism, bureaucratic over-reach, and business lobbying has resulted in a regulatory framework in which there is an inverse relationship between the degree of product risk and degree of regulatory scrutiny. The net result is a combination of public confusion, political manipulation, ill-conceived regulation, and ultimately, the obstruction of one of the safest and most promising technologies ever developed. The authors go on to suggest a way to emerge from this morass, proposing a variety of business and policy reforms that can unlock the potential of this cutting-edge science, while ensuring appropriate safeguards and moving environmentally friendly products into the hands of farmers and consumers around the world.
The Frankenfood Myth : How Protest and Politics Threaten the Biotech Revolution
The Frankenfood Myth: How Protest and Politics Threaten the Biotech Revolution,Henry I. Miller,Gregory Conko,Praeger Publishers,0275978796,Biotechnology,Business & Economics,Business / Economics / Finance,Business/Economics,Government & Business,Government policy,Industries - Agribusiness,Political aspects,Social aspects,Business & Economics / Government & Business
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