Life Science Industry

Agriculture and Industrial Biotechnology

What is Agriculture Biotechnolgy?

Agricultural biotechnology is the sector of life sciences involved in the processing and development of agricultural goods and the production of organics and agricultural chemicals. Through an array of scientific techniques agricultural biotechnology is used to improve plants, animals and microorganisms. With a growing global population, increased concerns for food safety and nutrition and the impact of climate change, it is one of the world’s most important industries.

Canada has been an innovator of this industry for more than a decade. Globally, Canadian production of crop protection products and fertilizers, sustainable lubricants, functional foods and nutracueticals, and feed additives consistently lead the industry.

More than 13.3 million farmers around the world use agricultural biotech processes. Since their introduction in the 1990s, biotech crops have been grown on more than 2.3 billion acres of farmland worldwide. Countries on all six settled continents have authorized biotech crops for their farmers. Almost 93 percent of the farmers growing biotech crops are from "small and resource-poor farmers from developing countries such as China, India, Philippines and South Africa." (Source: BIOTECanada). Canada is positioned to be a global leader in agricultarl biotechnology, and has one of the highest rates of productivity in this sector among members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Agricultural biotech holds great hope for a hungry world. Innovations in this sector can increase crop yields and improve animal production all the while, providing food security, ensuring public health and producing better, healthier food with less negative impact on the environment.


What are Bio Products?

Industrial biotechnology is the business of producing and manufacturing sustainable biomaterials and alternative energy solutions, through cellular and enzymatic processes and through the use of renewable, organic materials known as Biomass.

Bioproducts derived from biomass are showing up all around us. They include common everyday household and industrial products from paper and glue to household flooring, fiberboard and insulation to lubricants, automotive parts and biofuels. Bioproducts are everywhere and the list is growing.

Environmental biotechnology transforms microorganisms, plants and their components into new products using novel processes that can replace conventional manufacturing systems. Fuel derived from marine algae, agricultural growth enhancers extracted from seaweed and cellulose-based chemicals are examples of work happening in this area.

Forward looking businesses in Canada are utilizing biomass to produce fibres, fuels and industrial oils. Once considered waste, this process is generating environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional products that are as healthy for the pocket book as they are for the planet.

Across the globe, industrial biotechnology firms and environmental biotech product developers are renewing traditional industries, from chemicals to forestry to automotive manufacturing with renewable products and innovative processes. By utilizing plant materials or using what is traditionally considered waste to develop new and innovative products these advanced technologies offer environmentally sustainable solutions.

Industrial biotechnology is pioneering a stronger economy, a healthier environment and a better world in the 21st century and beyond.

 

For more information contact:
Kristina Braun

Manager, Agriculture and Industrial Biotechnology
kbraun@lsam.ca