This section aims to explain what biotechnology is and how some of the different biotechnologies work. Most descriptions are based on those found in the STATUS OF RESEARCH AND APPLICATION OF CROP BIOTECHNOLOGIES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES - 2005. ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/008/y5800e/y5800e00.pdf

Clear and helpful information has also been used from a number of other websites, including: http://www.biotechnologyonline.gov.au

For definitions of specific biotechnological terms you can also check the FAO Glossary of Biotechnology for Food and Agriculture.

What is Biotechnology?

Non-GM Biotechnologies

GM Biotechnologies

What is Biotechnology? – Three definitions

Biotechnology is defined as “any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use” (CBD, 1992). This definition can be interpreted in a wide sense to cover not only recombinant DNA technologies such as genetic modification (GM) which result in transgenic organisms, but also to include other forms of non-transgenic biotechnology R&D such as genomics, marker-assisted breeding, micropropagation and agricultural diagnostics.

'Biotechnology' is the practice of using plants, animals and micro-organism, such as bacteria, as well as biological processes - such as the ripening of fruit or the bacteria that break down compost - to some benefit. http://www.biotechnologyonline.gov.au

The simplest definition of biotechnology is ‘applied biology’: the application of biological knowledge and techniques to develop products. It may be further defined as the use of living organisms to make a product or run a process.

A number of non-GM biotechnologies are currently being used in developing countries in the agricultural sector. These techniques have been grouped in four main clusters: