This anchor volume to the series Managing Global Genetic Resources examines the structure that underlies efforts to preserve genetic material, including the worldwide network of genetic collections; the role of biotechnology; and a host of issues that surround management and use. Among the topics explored are in situ versus ex situ conservation, management of very large collections of genetic material, problems of quarantine, the controversy over ownership or copyright of genetic material, and more.

Agricultural research and development have profoundly increased the quantity and quality of food production in the twentieth century. As populations increase, however, and land and water resources become more scarce, we must improve productivity and efficiency to provide adequate food supplies. Issues such as the environment, genetic diversity, food safety, poverty, human health, animal rights, public versus private responsibilities, and the question of intellectual property rights further complicate this task. Agricultural Science Policy: Changing Global Agendas consists of twelve chapters that describe important issues in agricultural science policy, the relevant facts, current economic thinking, and new results. Topics Include: Changing Global Contexts and Agendas for Agricultural R & D; Productivity Measures and Measurement; Research, Productivity, and Natural Resources; Research for Genetic Improvement; and a Conclusion, which suggests directions for the future. The chapters in this volume will provide researchers and policy makers with a timely review of progress on the existing agenda as well as laying the foundation for a new agenda and new directions for global agricultural science policy in the 21st century. Contributors: Julian M. Alston, University of California-Davis ? Walter J. Armbruster, President of the Farm Foundation ? Peter J. Barry, University of Illinois ? Wilfred Beckerman, University of Oxford ? Derek Byerlee, World Bank ? Barbara J. Craig, Oberlin College ? Robert Evenson, Yale University ? Richard Gray, University of Saskatchewan ? Zvi Griliches, Harvard University ? Paul W. Heisey, U.S. Department of Agriculture ? Frances Homans, University of Minnesota ? Peter Lindert, University of California-Davis ? Stavroula Malla, University of Saskatchewan ? Philip G. Pardey, International Food Policy Research Institute and University of Minnesota ? Prabhu L. Pingali, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center ? Ismail Serageldin, World Bank and the American University in Cairo ? Michael J. Taylor, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Australia ? Greg Traxler, Auburn University ? James Wilen, University of California-Davis ? Brian Wright, University of California-Berkeley. Published in cooperation with the International Food Policy Research Institute.

This book integrates many fields to help students understand the complexity of the basic science that underlies crop and food production.

The improvement of crop species has been a basic pursuit since cultivation began thousands of years ago. To feed an ever increasing world population will require a great increase in food production. Wheat, corn, rice, potato and few others are expected to lead as the most important crops in the world. Enormous efforts are made all over the world to document as well as use these resources. Everybody knows that the introgression of genes in wheat provided the foundation for the “Green Revolution”. Later also demonstrated the great impact that genetic resources have on production. Several factors are contributing to high plant performance under different environmental conditions, therefore an effective and complementary use of all available technological tools and resources is needed to meet the challenge.

Overview of the seed industry in developing countries; An analytical framework; Government policies; Conclusions and priorities for future research.