FOOD AND SUSTAINABILITY: THE ROLE OF BIOTECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS

Among the future challenges for the agrifood sector, perhaps the most important is to feed a growing population in a context in which the percentage of the world population that resides in rural areas continues to decrease. In the face of rising food consumption - especially in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) - there is a reduction in the availability of agricultural land and its productivity. To address the issues of food security, it is necessary to pursue the goal of creating a sustainable agrifood system through the research of new models of development. According to many studies an important answer can come from overcoming the current frontiers of knowledge through investment in agricultural research. In this scenario, the technological innovation of biotechnology for the improvement of plant varieties, is one of the most promising sectors. The study analyzes the spread of GMOs in the world and aims to compare the motivations of supporters and nonsupporters of GMOs in relation to possible effects on the environment and human health