Food Crisis, Oil Prices, and US Policy May Help Spur Acceptance of Biotechnology

Implications: Secretary Negroponte's statements suggest a more aggressive U.S. policy favoring biotechnology as one way of addressing global food inflation. The policy recognizes the necessity of widespread acceptance of the technology. Will the presidential candidates agree?

Analysis:  There is a renewed effort to promote biotechnology to address rising food prices. 


Biotechnology did not receive a warm welcome from the EU- in part because they saw it as a benefit to farmers rather than consumers. But with high food prices around the globe, this may be an opportunity to highlight how consumers will benefit as well.

Fittingly, Secretary Negroponte's remarks regarding the importance of food technology were made at the World Food Prize award ceremony. The award, spearheaded by Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, the founder of the "Green Revolution," was instituted to further Dr. Borlaug's work of fighting world hunger through technology.

 Senator McCain would be likely to continue this policy, however Senator Obama would take a more timid approach, hesitant to upset global partners.