Neoliberalism on the molecular scale. Economic and genetic reductionism in biotechnology battles

摘要: Newagro-biotechnologies promise bounty from fine-tuned molecular manipulation of food crops. They already provide profits and export opportunities to a fewtransnational seed/ agrochemical/ biotechnology firms. Against growing resistance in international arenas, industry US government spokespeople have aggressively promoted genetic engineering, arguing that it permits precise control life processes. However, this claim is based on deceptive form molecular-genetic reductionism which uses outdated notions ‘‘genes’’ ‘‘genetic codes’’ disregards the interactions among molecules, organisms, their environments, social settings. This discourse, turn, supports economic-reductionist arguments information should be patentable market-based management will benefit everyone. double furthers extension commodity realm level. It treats inputs (genetic resources) outputs (transgenic products) as ordinary, tradable factors production under globally standardized intellectual property regimes bolsters proposals regulate World Trade Organization. Critics approach find some support Biodiversity Convention its Biosafety Protocol, would allow consideration scientific uncertainty, socioeconomic factors, pluralism regimes. stress natural-resource values knowledge about nature are inseparable place-specific ecologies, cultural practices farming science, power relations. 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.