Online activism impacting Biotechnology?

According to a study done by the Pew Research Centre in 2010, six in 10 (59%) consumers get news and information from a combination of online and offline sources on a typical day and use of TV and traditional newspapers are on a steady decline[1]. Internet usage is steadily growing, averaging a rate of 400+% per year since 2000[2]. In fact, 13% of Internet users in America are Twitter users, up from 8% the year before. These users are ‘on the go.’ Ninety five percent own a mobile phone, and half of these users access social media tools on their handheld device[3].

Why does this matter for agricultural science and science advocates? Anti-technology groups have changed their ‘modus operandi’ over the past few years. At one time, interest groups would lobby or demonstrate and, in some extreme cases, resort to vandalizing field trials. But now, a whole new generation of activism has evolved. Interest groups are rapidly adopting social media as a way to influence public opinion and to disparage modern plant biotechnology and associated practices. And they circulate their message faster and more efficiently than ever before.

From a post by Cami Ryan, Cami Ryan is a Professional Research Associate with the Departments of Plant Sciences and Bioresource Policy, Business and Economics at the U of S and is working as a social scientist on the Total Utilization of Flax Genomics (TUFGEN).

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Our question: Have you seen the influence of online advocacy in your work?

Focus on Saskatchewan’s Bioscience Cluster

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Focus on Saskatchewan’s Bioscience Cluster

This week we will be putting some focus on Saskatchewan’s bioscience cluster.

Ag-West Bio is a major player in the scene. They work with innovators and investors to help bring research to market. Their blog in content rich and worth a visit. Please visit it here.

More posts to come……

Biotechnology in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is recognized as one of the world’s leading agbiotech research centres. Most of the activity is centred at Innovation Place and the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, representing one of Canada’s largest clusters of research organizations in ag biotech. About 30% of the Canadian agbiotech industry is located in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan researchers created the world’s first genetically modified commercial canola variety and the first genetically engineered animal vaccine. Research and development is occurring in:

• genomics
• animal health products and animal vaccines
• food safety products
• new crop varieties and crop variety identification systems
• microbial bio-controls
• microbial bio-fertilizers and plant nutrient systems
• plant micropropagation
• biological water quality detection systems
• cosmetics and skin care products
• bio-pharmaceuticals and bio-industrial feedstocks

For more see: http://www.econet.sk.ca/issues/biotec/biotech_sk.html

Biotechnology News

Between 200 and 300 million dollars is going to be invested in Canadian biotechnology companies, with Saskatchewan likely to be a main focus. A Burrill Canada fund is being set up, and the company is looking for investment opportunities in this province.

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