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The Risks and Benefits of Agricultural Biotechnology

Can Scientific and Public Talk Meet?

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

This article outlines the direction and tenor of two distinct discourses on agricultural biotechnology. Scientific talk about biotechnology must be seen in the historical context of the status given to science in arriving at knowledge. On the other hand, public talk about biotechnology is largely informed by a number of factors beyond the realm of science and reflects contemporary trends toward the need for public inputs in risk assessment and risk management. Heeding public concerns about the risks of agricultural biotechnology may improve communication between scientists and the lay public and consequently lead to better regulatory policies. This article suggests participatory communication as a guide for action. Yet, it recognizes the limits of public participation when public opinion and perception overwhelm the voice of science and become the principal basis for regulatory and policy decisions on agricultural biotechnology.

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