Biotechnology: Impact on Iowa\u27s Agricultural Economy

Agriculture has always been an important cornerstone of Iowa\u27s economy. The highly publicized difficulties in the agricultural economy in Iowa have highlighted both the importance of agriculture and pitfalls when agriculture is hit by adverse conditions. Iowa\u27s agriculture and agricultural infrastructure have a heritage characterized by the development of very efficient production technology and the early use of innovative ideas. The early adoption of hybrid corn is but one example of the acceptance new technology. Today more than ever before there is a need for improved profitability and for the possibility of diversification of agricultural products in Iowa. The following papers are a result of a symposium presented at the 99th Annual Meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science held at Grinnell College on Friday, April 24, 1987. Interest in the general session speaker and the symposium held in the afternoon was gratifying. The presentations ranged from descriptions of the technical innovations and potential of the technology for increasing agricultural productivity to those which describe the social and economic implications of agricultural research policy