Biotechnology is an umbrella term for techniques for changing plants and
animals. Although biotechnology entails more than just genetic
modification, genetic manipulation and gene technology, it is often
referred to in the same breath as these. These terms refer to the
transfer of genetic material in a way that is not naturally possible
through reproduction and/or natural recombination. Since this form of
biotechnology only came into being in the 1970s, it is also referred to
as modern biotechnology.
Biotechnology is a key technology. The technology, with the use of
particular techniques and processes, makes it possible to analyse the
life of plants and animals. The resulting knowledge can be then used to
develop better products for industrial, agricultural and social
applications.
There have been rapid developments in biotechnology over the past 25
years. Society is finding more and more uses for this technology.
Agriculture is also making increasing use of biotechnology. For example,
crops can now be genetically modified. This means that genetic
characteristics can be transferred in a way which is not possible
through natural reproduction. By this means crops can be created which
are resistant to insect pests, so that there is less need to use
chemical control agents. It is now also possible to grow tomatoes with
better keeping qualities, and to create medicines in the milk of cows,
goats or rabbits. The development of modern biotechnology also raises
critical questions in society. Is it right simply to introduce human
genes into animals? Where do we draw the line? The technology is
developing rapidly, but we cannot yet know what all the consequences may
be.
However, biotechnology already exists, and we cannot turn back the
clock. And it will become increasingly important in the future. A lot
more research will have to be carried out to facilitate all the
applications we can now envisage. The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature
and Food Quality (LNV) considers this to be of prime importance and
therefore ensures that the necessary biotechnology facilities are
available in the Netherlands.
There are two reasons why LNV places such importance on biotechnology.
The first is that the agriculture and food industries are vital to the
Dutch economy. The second is that the government believes that
biotechnology can make a huge contribution to solving a number of
intractable societal and social problems, such as environmental problems
and food shortages in developing countries.
The advent of genetically modified crops (gm crops) is a hot topic in
the Netherlands and the rest of Europe. The question is whether
conventional and organic agriculture can co-exist with the cultivation
of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Through mixing and
cross-fertilisation, the cultivation of gm crops can lead to the
contamination of non-gm products with gm substances.
Currently no gm crops are grown commercially in the Netherlands and
there are only a limited number of small-scale field trials.