MACMILLAN Technological Change In Agriculture: Locking in to Genetic Uniformity

Why do modern agricultural techniques, which are environmentally damaging, continue to be used? This path-breaking book seeks the answer to that question in an understanding of evolution of agricultural research in its cultural context. Review 'This book, by environmental consultant and campaigner, Dominic Hogg, is one of those volumes that anyone involved in agriculture, anywhere in the world, should set aside time to read.' Professor P.J.C. Harris, Editor, Biological Agriculture and Horticulture 'Dominic Hogg poses what may prove to be the new millennium's most critical question: why have we employed a model of agriculture which threatens our future food security? By exposing, in some cases for the first time, reasons for the global adoption of unsustainable farming methods, he has provided an indispensable weapon in the battle to rescue humanity from the technologies which promised to save it.' - George Monbiot, Oxford University 'Dominic Hogg's book investigates with exceptional rigour and clarity a subject of global importance. It stands out from much of the literature in this field, which too often is characterised more by passion than analytical weight. The central object of analysis in the book could hardly be more topical, and is likely to remain an important issue in public debate for a long time to come.' - Professor Peter Nolan, Cambridge University '...an impressive piece of scholarship. Dominic Hogg has greatly increased our understanding of the dangers that plant breeding in maize has had through the reduction in genetic diversity...This book should be required reading for anyone interested in technical change, and not just in agriculture.' - John McCombie, University of Cambridge 'This is a book that should appeal to those with an interest in natural resources science and technology policy...In the context of the ongoing debate around the use of biotechniques in agriculture, the book takes on heightened relevance as critical choices are being made all the time concerning the trajectory for the research and development that underpins our food production systems.' - Professor Stephen Biggs, University of East Anglia About the Author DOMINIC HOGG is currently Senior Consultant with ECOTEC Research and Consulting where he works exclusively on environment policy issues. He was awarded a MacArthur Studentship from the University of Cambridge in 1991, from where he obtained his Ph.D. Following a period in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, he was a consultant for Friends of the Earth, working on the linkages between tropical rainforest destruction and IMF/World Bank structural adjustment programmes. He has campaigned on environmental issues for many years and has been active in many aspects of the use and exploitation of genetic resources.