Biotechnology and Biofuels

Steven E. Sexton, University of California - Berkeley
David Zilberman, University of California, Berkeley

Abstract

Purpose – To identify how agricultural biotechnology addresses the two challenges facing agriculture: to feed a world growing to 9 billion people by 2050 and to provide a liquid fuel alternative to petroleum. Design –This chapter relies on econometric modeling, a review of existing literature, and diagrammatic modeling to articulate the impact of agricultural biotechnology on food and energy markets. Findings –Agricultural biotechnology reduces the tension between food security and biofuel production. It reduces volatility in food and fuel markets and can mitigate risk to biofuel processors. Originality – The analysis is original although it relies on previous research to some extent. The analysis is compared to and contrasted with related work.