Reviews of Agriculture and Modern Technology

Reviews of Agriculture and Modern Technology: A Defense can be found at the following sites:

1. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.hts/business/948970

2. http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/safefood/archives/agnet-archives.htm.(click on June, then June 21, 2001)

3. http://www.biovision.org/muscript/frameset.html?1 (scroll down to C III -Vision in Life Sciences: Friday, 2/9, 11-13:00, Economic Aspects)

4.http://agbioview.listbot.com/cgi-bin/subscriber?Act=view_message&list_id=agbioview&msg_num=1122&start_num=

5. http://www.junkscience.com/jun01.htm (scroll down to June 22, 2001)

6. Weed Technology, Volume 15, Issue 2, Page 396 (April-June) 2001.

Agriculture and Modern Technology: A Defense by Thomas R. DeGregori, presents many of the revolutionary technological advances in the past century, especially those in agriculture. He then debunks common conventional wisdomthat claims these advances are harmful rather than helpful to humanity. For instance, the use of chemicals, including DDT and other pesticides, is often maligned as darnaging to the environment and the quality of life. Dr. DeGregori counters this argument with documentation that demonstrates how use of these chemicals has actually increased life span. Bound to be controversial, Agriculture and Modern Technology will spark debate. Academics, students, and those employed in agriculture and related industries and agencies, as well as an informed public, will find Dr. DeGregori's alternate views well founded and fascinating. ISBN 8-8138=0342. Available at $54.95 per copy from Iowa State University Press, 2121 South State Street, Ames, IA 50014-8300. www.isupress.com., office: 515-292-0140; Fax: 515-292- 3348.

7. http://www.bioreporter.com/ (The AgBiotech Reporter is accessible only to subscribers to it. The following is a copy of the review very kindly sent to me by the editor.)

AgBiotech Reporter - AgBiotechnology Research/Business News
July 2001
BioReview
by Andrew Apel, editor

As the barrage of attacks on agricultural biotechnology from a bewildering welter of foes continues unabated, it’s
time—past time, actually—for someone to answer the question:“Why are they against it?” Well, the answer has finally arrived, in the form of a book: Agriculture and Modern Technology: a Defense.*

The title of the book is actually a bit deceiving. While the book focuses a great deal on the philosophies, ideologies and psychological reactions shared by those averse to the use of biotechnology in agriculture, the historical sweep of the book, and its use of analogies to other types of technology, make it an ideal handbook for anyone who wants to understand the opponents of progress in many fields. Another pleasant deception is that, in spite of its scholarly nature, the painstaking thoroughness of its research, and the arcane sciences with which it deals, it is eminently readable to the point where it’s actually hard to put down.

Having set himself the job of explaining the nature of reactions to technological progress both past and present,
DeGregori does not confine himself to any one, single explanation. In fact, he makes it clear that there are a
number of reasons why some people and groups oppose progress, and he begins with Plato.

As he follows the philosophical movements from the Greeks, through the Enlightenment and Post-modernism, the political and cultural movements from the Nazi era to the organic foods industry, the inventions of DDT and antibiotics and plant biotechnology, DeGregori cogently explains why all manner of progress is opposed, especially in agriculture—and also, why progress is inevitable.

This book is well worth the read, and would make an ideal early holiday gift for anyone who is genuinely puzzled by the opponents of progress.

8. Date: Jul 09 2001 19:21:10 EDT
From: Andrew Apel <agbionews@earthlink.net>
Subject: Book Review

I am sure all of us have asked ourselves, at least once, "Why do the activists oppose progress in agriculture?" and then found the answer, "Because they get paid to" not entirely satisfying. So the question recurs: "Really, I mean for real, why are they against improving agriculture?" One can, of course, consult the press releases of activist groups in search of the answer, and find lies and distortions of such magnitude that the activists themselves have to be aware that their balderdash is rich enough to significantly boost the output of organic farming around the world. So then the question again recurs: "Really, why?" Well, the answer is at hand. Technological progress, especially in agriculture, has been the target of phobics and elites for a long, long time... and if you want to understand the historic roots and modern rhetoric of those who oppose progress, I recommend reading the book:

"Agriculture and Modern Technology: a Defense," DeGregori, Thomas R. Iowa
State University Press, Ames, 2001. 268 pp., $54.95. Visit
http://www.isupress.com.

9. Global Biotech Science News July 23, 2001

"Agriculture and Modern Technology: a Defense" by Thomas R. DeGregori
presents technology as a human endeavor and a positive force that
defines our humanity.

The 268-page text is available from Iowa State University Press, Ames,
for $54.95 and can be ordered on-line at: http://www.isupress.com

DeGregori's Agriculture and Modern Technology March 6, 2002 Reviewed by Manfred Kroger, Ph.D. Agricultural literacy is at a low level in the land of plenty. There may be a law that dictates an inverse relationship between abundance and knowledge about the source of the abundance. We do not burden ourselves with factual information about that which we take for granted, namely, food, health, and a comfortable life in a non-threatening world. As long as the fridge is full, the car always starts, and the TV keeps entertaining, why bother to know what makes all that happen? Thomas DeGregori's new book combats this problem. I could have used an excellent book such as this during my thirty years of communicating to students, the public, and the media about food, nutrition, health, and agriculture. I try to instill the facts as the consensus of science knows them and instill an appreciation of the "complex systems" that bring us our food, sustain our habitat, and make our bodies function. The critical part is explaining how progress takes place, how insights are gained using the scientific method, and what technology means for a society endeavoring to shape a better future. This book would have made my job much easier. Agriculture and Modern Technology Thomas R. DeGregori Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA 50014 (2001), 268 pp. Hardbound, $56.99 Educators complain about various forms of illiteracy, and general illiteracy in physiology, chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics makes people vulnerable to all kinds of exploiters — whether charlatans, ideologues, money managers, or public decision makers. We all turn to others for help from time to time, but it is important to know where the help comes from, and this book helps us judge. Professor DeGregori writes in an engaging style. In a scholarly manner, he constructs a defense of agriculture and modern technology. Close to a thousand references are cited and the author's website at www.uh.edu/~trdegregori/ has still more. His discussions are detailed and comprehensive, with a long introduction about technology, industrialization, creativity, and human welfare. Since agriculture is not mentioned in the first sixty pages, perhaps the title should have been An Assault on the Beliefs of Anti-Technologists, Luddites, Chemophobes, and Naive Do-Gooders. The remaining 140 text pages, however, deal with agricultural subjects, including organic farming, "natural" foods, pesticides, fertilizers, genetic modification of food sources by biotechnological means (as opposed to breeding), the Green Revolution, food distribution (world hunger), animal rights, and environmental pollution. These subjects have been and will be discussed with great passion in the media and in meeting rooms of schools and governments, as they should be. Unfortunately, the voices of anti-technologists are often shrillest, and the voices of believers in the scientific method subdued, reasoned, and polite. To make matters worse, the media always favor those who supply them with dramatic effects. At best, the media give half of a panel or story to one side and half to the other, but it seems to me that those using evidence and facts based on the scientific method and properly conducted research should be given far more than one-half. If only they would teach that in schools of journalism. I would be happy if they made DeGregori's book mandatory reading there. Nonagricultural subjects are also covered by the author. They include environmental quality, public health, food faddism, alternative medicine, public policy, industrial progress, and human behavior. All are linked by the recurring theme of technophobia. Whether it is immunizations , DDT, or the precautionary principle, to name three major chapters, the author always presents a historical background followed by pro's and con's. The reader is steered by factual evidence and not by devious rhetoric or a play on the emotions. DeGregori is a very believable defender of agriculture, science, and technology. He is also an outspoken critic of the forces that seek to undo what has been constructed for the benefit of humankind. More people should have the courage to oppose misguided ideologues, those whose understanding of the world and the future is not scientific but romantic and irrational. Public beliefs about technology have been molded by anti-technologists for 150 years. There were opponents to milk pasteurization in the early 1900's as there are now opponents to food irradiation. Vocal critics of microwave heating twenty years ago have turned their anti-technological vigor toward other targets. Luckily, a beneficial technology will always be embraced once opposition to it is seen as folly. That is a major point made by this book's author, who argues not only for the benefits of science but against the erroneous beliefs about it. Dr. DeGregori describes many of the technological advances of the past century and challenges those who do not consider them advances. He debunks some views that have become conventional wisdom, such as opposition to the use of chemicals, including DDT and other pesticides. The facts point to their benefits, whereas the imagined, postulated, and theoretical harm done by them pales in comparison. DeGregori stops short of calling the more rabid anti-technologists by the name they deserve: terrorists. There is no other term for those who destroy the work of visionaries who aim to improve the future of mankind. In mid-February 2002, for instance, Collin Levey wrote in the Wall Street Journal that eco-terrorism is alive and well in the U.S.. As an example, an FBI report to Congress is cited that holds the Earth Liberation Front responsible for 600 violent attacks on research laboratories and other places since 1996, amounting to $43 million of damage. Hearings on such acts are currently being held in Washington by Rep. Scott McInnis. I hope this book is used in those hearings. It pits intellect and scholarship against acts of terrorism. Perhaps this book will erode support for these destructive groups. In fact, this book may inspire more people to become proponents of technological progress. All technological tools, all inventions, have positive and negative effects — just look at the hammer, the car, medicine, or firearms. We must recognize and further their beneficial uses, for the betterment of humanity. Manfred Kroger, Ph.D. Professor of Food Science Professor of Science, Technology and Society Pennsylvania State University

11. AGRICULTURE AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY : A DEFENSE. BY Thomas R DeGregori. Ames (Iowa) : Iowa State University Press.

Thefirst two chapters offeran historical and philosophical discourse on the tensionthat often exists betweentechnology and the arts.Chapters 3 and 4focus on technophobia andhuman welfare. DeGregori exploresepidemiological studies of cancerthat suggest chemical, pesticide, or nuclear energy exposureas the cause. Hecontinues with an overviewof "natural" and "organic"foods and the fearsthat some people haveof chemical pesticides andfertilizers, and irradiated foods.DeGregori concludes that suchviews are often ill-conceived,and that science andtechnology have, in fact,made significant contributions to improvements in human healthand longevity.Chapter 5 exploresthe recent debate overgenetically modified organisms (GMOs).Chapter 6 reviews therole of pesticides inincreasing agricultural productivity andcontrolling disease-carrying insects. Chapter7 examines the Naziroots of the "naturalmovement" as currently embodiedin vegetarianism, wildlife conservation,and animal protection. Chapter8 reviews the contributionof technology on enhancinghuman health through moreabundant, nutritious food supplies,and safer water. Thefinal chapter returns tothe theme of thecoexistence of technology andthe arts. According toDeGregori, technology is atthe core of humanpotential. He offers asan example the spaceprogram that allowed humansfor the first timeto see an "Earthrise"from the perspective ofthe moon. This technologicalaccomplishment provided mankind witha new appreciation ofour planet.This is anexcellent reference for facultyand students who wishto debate the roleof science in ourmodern agricultural, food, andnatural resource system. DeGregori makes a well-documented casefor the contributions oftechnology to the improvementof human welfare. Readersshould be aware, however,that this book containsa strong pro-technology bias.To provide balance tothe debate, some maychoose to consult sourcesthat offer contrarian views.

A recent article by Houston Chronicle columnist Jim Barlow discussed the new book on modern agriculture by University of Houston economist Tom DeGregori:
"A recent survey of Americans by an environmental organization found that 90 percent believe chemicals, pollution and waste are responsible for problems like asthma and chronic diseases.
"If that's your viewpoint, may I suggest a slim book by University of Houston economics professor Thomas DeGregori. It's called Agriculture and Modern Technology -- A Defense (Iowa State University Press, $54.95). (Published June, 2001)
"Actually:
· The National Academy of Science found last year that asthma mostly is caused by mites and cockroaches. Using pesticides to kill them helps, not hurts.
· In the past few decades, pollution has declined, not increased.
· Diseases like cancer are increasing simply because most cancers develop slowly, and we are living longer.
"The alleged dangers of modern life have become conventional wisdom to large segments of the population," DeGregori argues. "I believe the attack is a manifestation of an anti-technology elitism."
(Click here for link to full column on Houston Chronicle web site.)
More about this book from Professor Tom Gregori's web site:
Agriculture and Modern Technology challenges many current beliefs about agricultural technology and invites readers to examine the facts and common perceptions. In this thought-provoking work, Thomas DeGregori presents many of the revolutionary technological advances in the past century, especially those in agriculture. He then debunks common conventional wisdom that claims these advances are harmful rather than helpful to humanity. For instance, the use of chemicals, including DDT and other pesticides, are often maligned as damaging to the environment and the quality of life. Dr. DeGregori counters this argument with documentation that demonstrates how use of these chemicals has actually increased life span. ...
About the Author: Thomas DeGregori is a professor of economics at the University of Houston; Houston, Texas, and author of several books. His fields of specialties are economic development, technology, science in economic development, and African, Asian, and Caribbean economic development. (Click here for short vitae.)
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