Apologies for cross postings
Call for Papers
RGS-IBG Conference London 2005
Session on: Genetically Modified Organisms and the Future of Rural Spaces
Jointly sponsored by the Rural Geography Research Group and the Planning
and Environment Research Group.
Convenors:
Professor David Gibbs (University of Hull)
Professor Chris Cocklin (Monash University)
Structure of the session:
Block 1: Panel session: Keynote by Terry Marsden (Cardiff) and
presentations by 4/5 panel members.
Block 2: Submitted papers (8 papers each of 15 minutes, followed by 15
minutes discussion)
This call for papers is for Block 2 only.
Although public controversies over the introduction of genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) in the form of seeds, crops and animals have subsided to
some extent in recent years, the development of GMOs will continue to have
major implications for the future of rural spaces. Many commentators have
posited an explicit tension between the type of agriculture epitomised by
GMOs (characterised, variably, as high tech, intensive, corporate-
controlled) and the rural development/multifunctional land use direction
proposed by Marsden and others, and which has been examined in studies on
organics, short-food chains, quality food production etc. However, an
argument could also be made that GMOs are not inherently inconsistent with
the rural development model. Does adoption of GM technology secure or
undermine rural community futures? Are GMOs symptomatic of, and
contributing to, agricultural transformations that are damaging or,
alternately, beneficial for the natural environment, human health, etc?
This session aims to investigate these and other questions through a mix of
a panel discussion and an open call for papers.
The call for papers is open to topics related to GMOs, such as: farmer
responses, environmental impacts, consumer resistance/support, the role of
supermarkets, questions of risk, liability and regulation, community
participation/debates, and government policy – towards biotechnology
generally, as well as specifically towards agricultural biotech. Papers
could also address broader themes including agricultural transformation,
governance, supply chain relationships and international trade.
Please submit an abstract of 200 words and 5 keywords to either David Gibbs
([log in to unmask]) or Chris Cocklin ([log in to unmask])
by 21st January 2005.
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