Law Commons^™

Feeding The World: How Changes In Biotech Regulation Can Jump-Start The Second Green Revolution And Diversify The Agricultural Industry, John A. Erwin, Robert Glennon

William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review

As the Earth’s population climbs from 7.7 billion in 2019 to almost 10 billion by mid-century, farmers will need to increase food production by 70 percent. This Article analyzes the tools available to achieve this demanding goal. We assess changes in agriculture related to both the organic industry and the high-tech sector that are enabling farmers to become more efficient. Critically, biotechnology offers great promise to hasten the pace of increased agricultural efficiency through genetic engineering. While genetic modification has been controversial, we cannot exclude any viable policy option, especially one with so much promise. Yet the current regulatory environment …