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General Information – Biotechnology
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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.

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