Frequently Asked Questions

What is Biotechnology?

The term ‘biotechnology’ refers to any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for a specific use.

What is Biosafety?

Biosafety is a term used to describe efforts to reduce and eliminate the potential risks resulting from biotechnology and its products.

What are Living Modified Organisms (LMO’s)?

The Organisms resulting from the use of modern biotechnological techniques are commonly referred to as genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) or living modified organisms (LMO’s).

LMO’s include a variety of food crops that have been genetically modified to possess the desired traits for benefits such as increased nutritional productivity and resistance to pests or diseases.  Common examples of modified crops include tomatoes, cassava, corn and soybeans.

What are some potential benefits of biotechnology?

v      Advances in medicine, agriculture and other fields, e.g. new medical treatments & vaccines, new industrial products & improved fibers & fuels.

v      Increase in food security

v      Increased yield in marginal lands

v      Reduced use of water in agriculture

What are some potential risks of biotechnology?

v      Adverse effects on biological diversity

v      Risks to human health (example allergies)

v      Development of super weeds

v      The instability of inserted genes