Agriculture; CRISPR/Cas genome editing; Degrowth; Food production; Genetic engineering

Abstract: This paper is a critical response to Gomiero’s (2017, JCLEPRO) analysis of the links between degrowth and agriculture. It is argued that Gomiero’s contribution is timely and important, and he makes a number of important points, especially regarding the naivety of some degrowth proposals that amount to romanticising organic agriculture. However, Gomiero’s criticism of GM crops, which he contrasts with organic agriculture, is partly outdated and partly misguided. This reply thus presents a different interpretation of the potential of modern green biotechnology, including its possible compatibility with organic agriculture.

Journal of Cleaner Production: Volume 168, 1 December 2017, Pages 904-907

Response to "Agriculture and degrowth: State of the art and assessment of organic and biotech-based agriculture from a degrowth perspective".