Prof. Dr. Matin Qaim

University of Bonn

Matin Qaim is Professor of Food System Economics and Director of the Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Germany. He is President of the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE).

Presentation:
Genomic breeding technologies for sustainable agriculture and food security

Key Points:
• Making food systems more sustainable requires technological innovation, including new genomic breeding technologies.
• Existing data from many countries show that genetically modified (GM) crops have economic, social, and environmental benefits, if used appropriately, including among small-scale farmers in low- and middle-income countries.
• New gene-editing techniques can further increase breeding efficiency.
• Issues around public attitudes and efficient regulation are discussed to exploit potentials and minimize risks.