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AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
From
the Dean
 Susan A. Henry, Ph.D. The Ronald P. Lynch |
The faculty and administration of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University recognize that there is a public dialogue on agricultural biotechnology. The development of this publication is part of our continued commitment to educate the public and facilitate informed public discussion of the issues surrounding agricultural biotechnology. Anytime a publication is published on a controversial issue, legitimate questions may arise. I would like to be clear on our College’s position and provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Who funded this publication?
Costs for producing this publication came from discretionary funds of the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University. It was not funded by private sector or government funds.
Is Cornell pro- or anti-biotechnology?
Cornell University does not have a position for or against any technology. The faculty, students and staff believe it is important to explore various technical and social issues affecting agriculture, the environment, and human health. Such investigations apply to agricultural biotechnology as well as other technologies.
Where does Cornell get funding for biotechnology projects and who sets Cornell’s research agenda?
For 2000-2001, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences had a budget of $183,974,800 dedicated to teaching, research and outreach. Of that total, less than 25% was devoted to research in the social and biological sciences: $42.8 million. Private companies supplied about 5.4% of the research budget, or about $2.3 million. The main sponsors of research were federal government agencies (U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), New York State agencies and foundations. These research funds were used in diverse areas in the social and biological sciences, including biotechnology. All funding must be approved by the college and university administrators who enforce guidelines to ensure that information produced by research is not inappropriately restricted by corporate or other interests.
Does Cornell conduct research on products of biotechnology?
Yes. This research includes work on animals, food components, and plants. For example, researchers at Cornell University test biotechnology plants in the laboratory, greenhouse and field according to federal and state regulations, which may require regulatory permits and inspections. Cornell has a system to ensure compliance with these regulations, which can be seen at <http://oeh.cals.cornell.edu/transgen.html> under "Transgenic Procedures and Flow Chart."
How can I find out what is being tested?
Information about what biotech products are being tested and what permits have been issued is available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website and through other locations such as Virginia Tech’s "Information Systems for Biotechnology"
The purpose of this publication is to help you become more knowledgeable about the issues surrounding biotechnology, and develop a common understanding of agricultural biotechnology. I invite you to participate in the dialogue about this important issue and hope you find this brochure useful in forming your opinions on agricultural biotechnology. If you have questions or need further information on these issues, please refer to the following web sites which provide more detail than can be covered in this publication:
Informing
the Dialogue About Agricultural Biotechnology &
Genetically Engineered Organisms–Public Issues Education Project.
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Susan A. Henry, Ph.D. |