Agricultural engineering: trends and future prospects
Did you know that around 190 million hectares of genetically modified plants are cultivated worldwide? This corresponds to almost the entire agricultural area of Italy, Spain and France combined! This impressive figure illustrates the global influence of agricultural engineering and the explosive nature of current debates.
In Germany, a contrasting picture emerges: a full 67% of the population are against the use of genetically modified methods in agriculture, and 83% of those surveyed before the 2021 federal election called for rigorous reviews of genetic engineering for its risks. Despite this skepticism, biotechnological innovations promise solutions for sustainable food security and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
In this article, we look at current and upcoming trends in agricultural engineering. From historical developments to technological advances and social acceptance – we explore the key questions: How can agro-technology contribute to sustainable agriculture? What political and regulatory framework conditions are necessary? And what does the future of agriculture look like under the influence of these technologies?
Introduction to agricultural engineering
Agrogenetic engineering, also known as green genetic engineering, describes the application of biotechnology in agriculture. This involves the use of genetic modification methods to change the DNA of plants. These changes are aimed at optimizing agricultural production by making plants resistant to pests or herbicides, increasing their nutritional value or adapting their growing conditions.
Definition and concepts
The definition of agro-genetic engineering includes various techniques and methods. The most important methods include the transfer of genes between different organisms and the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for precise gene editing. These technologies make it possible to establish specific characteristics in plants that would not be achievable through traditional breeding.
A significant advance was the development of plants that are resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, which was achieved by transferring the EPSPS gene. These herbicide-resistant plants have contributed to the fact that the area under cultivation of such crops worldwide amounted to around 145 million hectares in 2012.
Historical development
The development of genetic engineering in agriculture has a long history. Starting with traditional breeding, plants with desired characteristics have been selectively propagated for centuries. However, the real breakthrough came with the introduction of modern genetic engineering methods in the 1980s. A milestone here was the commercialization of genetically modified plants that are resistant to certain herbicides and insects.
However, after 20 years of commercial cultivation of genetically modified plants in countries such as the USA, Brazil and Argentina, drastic consequences can also be observed in agriculture. An arms race against resistant weeds and pests has begun, and in various regions control over the spread of these plants has already slipped away.
Today, large corporations play a major role by selling both patented genetically engineered seeds and the appropriate spraying agents. At the same time, the artificial synthesis of genes opens up the possibility of radically altering genetic material.
Important areas of application for agrogen technology
Agricultural engineering encompasses various important areas of application that are used specifically for optimization and innovation in agriculture, medicine, industry and the environment. Green, red, white and gray genetic engineering play central roles and contribute to the development of biotechnological applications.
Green genetic engineering: Agriculture and nutrition
Green genetic engineering focuses on making plants more resistant to pests and diseases and increasing yields. However, studies show that genetically modified plants in the USA, which account for half of all GMOs cultivated worldwide, do not achieve significantly higher yields. In the case of genetically modified soy, farmers have had to accept lower yields in some cases. The use of pesticides has increased, particularly for soybeans and corn.
Another problem is the adaptation of plants to the industrialized agriculture of the rich countries of the North. This results in rationalization effects that destroy jobs in agriculture instead of creating new ones.
Red genetic engineering: Medical applications
Red genetic engineering primarily evaluates medical applications. Among other things, this involves the production of genetically modified organisms for the production of medicines. Advanced biotechnological applications enable the production of insulin or other important drugs.
Genetic modifications also help in regenerative medicine and in the development of new therapies for serious diseases. Despite the progress made, there are ethical and health concerns here too.
White genetic engineering: industry and pharmaceuticals
White genetic engineering is primarily used in industry and pharmaceuticals. Here, it improves biotechnological applications for the production of enzymes that are used in detergents or food. It also optimizes processes in the production of biofuels and chemicals.
In the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnologically produced substances are used in various medicines. These technologies make a significant contribution to increasing the efficiency of industrial processes and promote more environmentally friendly production methods.
Grey genetic engineering: environmental technology and pollutant removal
Grey genetic engineering focuses on environmental applications and the removal of pollutants. It uses genetically modified microorganisms and plants to remove environmental toxins from soil and water. These biotechnological applications help to reduce waste and improve environmental quality.
One example is the use of genetically modified bacteria to combat oil spills. These organisms can break down oil more quickly and thus minimize environmental damage. Grey genetic engineering plays a crucial role in environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
| Areas of application | Main uses | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Green genetic engineering | Yield increase, pest resistance | Lower yields, higher spray agent consumption |
| Red genetic engineering | Drug production, regenerative medicine | Ethical and health concerns |
| White genetic engineering | Industrial enzymes, biofuels | Development costs, market access |
| Gray genetic engineering | Environmental protection, removal of pollutants | Risks for natural ecosystems |
Changes in the food market due to agricultural engineering
Agro-genetic engineering has brought about significant changes in the food market. The discussion about genetically modified food and organic food is omnipresent. The aim is to ensure food safety and strengthen the agricultural economy at the same time.
Genetically modified plants and food
Genetically modified food has been a topic of public debate for years. These plants offer various advantages such as higher yields and improved resistance to pests. However, risks such as unexpected effects on nature through genetic engineering are also a frequent argument of critics.
Processed food in Germany may contain components from GMOs, but must be labeled. In addition, numerous costs are incurred in agriculture to maintain compliance with the regulations. For example, an analysis of soy according to the VLOG standard costs between 100 and 200 euros.
Economic impact
The economic impact of agro-genetic engineering extends to various areas of the agricultural economy. One example shows a company in the Austrian compound feed industry that spends 1.275 million euros a year on interest and depreciation, while the costs for GMO-free soy exceed 4.375 million euros a year.
The price difference currently fluctuates between 200 and 500 euros per ton of soy. Due to the additional costs of GMO-free processing, which can amount to 1.5 cents per liter of milk at producer level and up to 5 cents per liter at dairies, there is noticeable cost pressure on the production of organic food.
The extensive requirements for logistics, inspection and certification also add to the economic burden, with additional annual costs of 100,000 euros. Despite the costs, many consumers and farmers continue to demand a high standard of food safety in order to exploit the market advantage of GMO-free products.
“The safety and quality of our food is equally important for consumers and producers. The agricultural economy must face up to the challenges of genetic engineering.” – Statements by a leading German agricultural researcher
Overall, these influences have significantly changed the global trade and production market. Efforts to ensure the coexistence of genetically modified and GMO-free plants are leading to additional challenges and promise an exciting future for the agricultural economy.
Sustainable agriculture and agricultural engineering
The debate about sustainable agriculture and agricultural engineering is complex and multi-layered. While some emphasize the ecological benefits and the possibilities of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to reduce the use of pesticides and improve soil health, there are also significant challenges and points of criticism.
Ecological advantages
One of the main arguments in favor of integrating agro-genetic engineering into sustainable agriculture is the potential for environmental protection. For example, transgenic plants could help to reduce the use of agrochemicals, which in turn conserves soil and water resources. It is estimated that genetic engineering reduces land requirements by increasing yields and minimizes the use of herbicides and insecticides.
- Reduction of pesticides:
- Better pest resistance:
- Improved soil health:
Challenges and points of criticism
Despite the ecological benefits, there are considerable concerns and agricultural technology criticism. A prominent example is BASF’s withdrawal from Germany due to the ongoing rejection of agro-technology in Europe. Dirk Zimmermann from Greenpeace argues that, despite its potential benefits, agro-technology is not a sustainable solution and creates more problems than it solves, such as the loss of biodiversity.
Another problem is ethical concerns, particularly in relation to the concentration of power of large corporations such as Monsanto, Syngenta, DuPont and Bayer, which dominate the GMO market. Furthermore, many consumers are skeptical and prefer GMO-free agriculture, as surveys show.
| Criterion | Positive aspects | Negative aspects |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental protection | Reduction of herbicides | Biodiversity loss |
| Economy | Yield increase | Concentration of power |
| Health | Improved nutrient profiles | Ethical concerns |
Ultimately, the debate on sustainable agriculture and agricultural engineering remains a balancing act between ecological, economic and ethical factors.
Technological innovations and progress
Gene editing and CRISPR technology in particular represent significant biotech innovations in agricultural engineering. These methods have the potential to significantly increase productivity in agriculture and could have a lasting impact on future agricultural technologies.
Between 2012 and 2025, over 100 million euros will flow from tax revenues into projects for the development of genetically modified plants or animals. In stark contrast, projects focusing on breeding for organic farming only received 9.6 million euros. This illustrates the prioritization within research funding and the enormous progress that gene editing and CRISPR techniques are experiencing.
In the coalition agreement, the German government has set the goal of expanding organic farming to 20 percent by 2030. Over 30,000 organic farmers are active in the organic sector, generating annual sales of more than 10 billion euros with organic food and drink. The BÖLW (German Federation of Organic Food Producers) represents more than 40,000 organic farms in Germany. New biotech innovations could support these objectives and contribute to efficient production.
The European Commission recently presented a proposal to reform the 30-year-old genetic engineering laws. Scientific institutions and expert commissions are calling for a reform of GMO legislation and argue that plants that do not contain foreign DNA and could theoretically arise through natural mutations should not be subject to the strict GMO rules.
This reform proposal has been available to the EU Commission since July 2023, but the date of the final decision is uncertain. A joint press release from the DFG and Leopoldina, signed by 37 Nobel laureates and over 1,500 scientists, strengthens the call for these reforms.
The greatest progress currently being made in agricultural engineering is that the safety assessment of new plants should increasingly depend on the properties of the product produced and less on the breeding process. The EU Commission is pursuing this goal with its process to adapt genetic engineering laws to the high level of protection for health and the environment without compromising on safety.
Health aspects and safety issues
Agricultural engineering presents both opportunities and risks for the health and safety of people and the environment. Despite advances in technologies such as Crispr-Cas and zinc finger nucleases, experts warn of potential health and environmental risks, especially if these technologies are released unregulated.
Risks for people and the environment
The introduction of new genetic engineering methods could lead to significant environmental and health risks. Critics such as Anton Hofreiter and Martin Häusling emphasize that the new methods could lead to a violation of the precautionary principle in Europe by bringing large quantities of unregulated products onto the market. Experts also warn that the patentability of new breeds could restrict the freedom to breed and further dominate the seed market.
The agricultural policy spokesperson for the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, Martin Häusling, also pointed out that genetic engineering has not yet contributed to securing the world’s food supply. These concerns are also reflected in the rejection of the new techniques by the organic sector, which is calling for regulation and labeling in order to avoid contamination of its products.
Advantages and opportunities
Despite the risks, genetic engineering also offers significant advantages. New genetic engineering techniques have the potential to increase food safety by improving the nutritional content of plants while reducing environmental pollution. In addition, precision agriculture could become more ecological through the use of these technologies by making the use of fertilizers and pesticides more precise.
| Advantages | Risks |
|---|---|
| Improved nutrient content | Unregulated release |
| Reduced environmental impact | Genetic impoverishment |
| Increased food safety | Dependence on pesticides |
| More diverse agriculture | Patentability of new breeds |
Discussions about health risks, environmental risks and the benefits of genetic engineering are still ongoing. Opinions are divided: While some emphasize the economic potential and improved food safety, others warn of the profound health and environmental risks that inadequate regulation and control could entail. Public debates and political discussions will have to continue on the future use and safety issues of agro-technology.
Regulations and political framework conditions
Genetic engineering regulations are strictly monitored in Germany and the EU in order to protect both consumers and the environment. The introduction and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is subject to strict regulations. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) has been the lead authority for the approval of GMOs in Germany since April 1, 2004.
The genetic engineering regulations and legal framework as laid down in the German Genetic Engineering Act (GenTG) are based, among other things, on EU Directive 2001/18/EC. This directive contains extensive requirements for the regulation and control of GMOs in order to minimize risks to humans and the environment.
National regulations
In Germany, there are two main procedures for the market authorization of GMOs. One is the procedure in accordance with the Genetic Engineering Act and the other in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003. Each genetically modified variety also requires a variety approval in accordance with the Seed Marketing Act. A special release authorization is required for experimental releases. Authorization for placing on the market is possible if the risks of use are manageable.
The German government must transpose the Opt-Out Directive (EU) 2015/412 into German law. This directive, which allows EU member states to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of GMOs, came into force on April 2, 2015. It is currently still unclear whether it will be implemented nationwide or at state level. However, two independent legal opinions have confirmed that nationwide cultivation bans can be designed in accordance with European and international law.
International regulations and agreements
At international level, trade agreements play a decisive role in the regulation of GMOs. Through various agricultural policy measures and international trade agreements, EU member states must ensure that both the import and export of genetically modified products is controlled. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in Parma is the regulatory authority for GMOs that are to be approved for the production of food and feed.
In addition, GMOs that are exported to international markets are bound by the genetic engineering regulations of the importing countries. This requires close cooperation and consistency between national and international regulations in order to avoid trade conflicts and health risks. Due to the diverse aspects and global significance of genetic engineering, numerous experts are calling for a clear and uniform strategy and greater international cooperation in the field of genetic engineering and agricultural policy.
Social acceptance and public opinion
The social acceptance of agricultural technology is significantly influenced by public opinion. Various surveys and studies have shown that consumer behavior, skepticism and rejection often go hand in hand, especially in Germany and other European countries. In order to obtain a comprehensive picture, it is essential to take a closer look at these factors.
Surveys and studies
Surveys show that 31% of maize plants grown worldwide are genetically modified. These figures make it clear that acceptance varies at a global level. In Germany, however, a certain degree of skepticism remains. Around 85% of genetically modified plants have been made herbicide-tolerant, which triggers discussions about possible environmental effects and health risks, particularly among consumers. In addition, around 41% of the plants have been modified to be pest-resistant, which is also frequently questioned.
Reasons for skepticism and rejection
There are many reasons for skepticism and rejection. Consumer behavior often shows that there is uncertainty regarding the long-term consequences of agricultural technology. The total herbicide glyphosate in particular, to which many plants have been made resistant, is at the center of criticism. In addition, the concentration of power in the hands of a few large corporations such as Monsanto is leading to a further loss of trust. Media coverage also contributes significantly to this by often highlighting negative aspects and thus influencing public opinion. There are also concerns that the genetic modification of plants could have a negative impact on biodiversity.
| Plant species | Genetic modification | Percentage share worldwide |
|---|---|---|
| Soy | 47% | Herbicide tolerance, pest resistance |
| Maize | 32% | Herbicide tolerance, pest resistance |
| Cotton | 15% | Herbicide tolerance, pest resistance |
| Rapeseed | 5% | Herbicide tolerance, pest resistance |
Future scenarios and developments
The future of genetic engineering is at a crucial turning point. In July 2023, the EU Commission presented a proposal to reform the 30-year-old genetic engineering laws. Innovative agrotechnologies such as genome-edited plants should no longer be subject to GMO regulations if they do not contain foreign DNA, similar to natural mutations or conventional breeding. Such reforms could pave the way for new developments without jeopardizing the high level of protection for humans and the environment.
A central theme in the future scenarios is the dynamic development of new genetic technologies and synthetic biology within the agricultural industry. These technologies have the potential to increase the tolerance of plants to abiotic stress factors such as drought and thus bring about drastic changes in the agricultural sector. This also includes improvements in the field of vertical farming, which could revolutionize cultivation in urban areas.
However, technological progress is characterized by political blockades, as individual EU member states are blocking reforms to GMO legislation in the Council. Scientific organizations and academies continue to call for changes to promote innovation in agriculture. Already 37 Nobel laureates and over 1500 scientists have sent an open statement to MEPs in support of these reforms.
The use of genetically modified organisms covers various areas: from GM viruses and GM animals to GM plants. However, the “Farm Scale Evaluations” in the UK showed the negative effects on biodiversity as early as 2003. A study from 2020 also shows that the cultivation of pesticide-resistant plants is often associated with higher pesticide use. Regulating these technologies therefore remains a challenge due to the complex biological interactions and unpredictable effects on ecosystems.
In order to drive the future of genetic engineering and innovative agrotechnologies forward, a clear regulatory framework and a stronger public discourse are required. This is the only way to fully exploit the benefits of these technologies and minimize potential risks.
| Range | Potential developments | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural industry | Increasing tolerance to abiotic factors, vertical farming | Regulatory hurdles, biological interactions |
| Synthetic biology | New plant species, optimized cultivation methods | Unpredictable effects on ecosystems |
| Regulation | Reform of GMO legislation, flexible testing requirements | Political blockades, complexity of legislation |
The role of large corporations and patents
The importance of patents in agriculture has increased significantly in recent decades, especially since the mergers of 2017 and 2018. Today, just four companies – Bayer AG (including Monsanto), Chem China (including Syngenta), Corteva (from the agricultural divisions of Dow and DuPont) and BASF – control 62% of the global seed market and 84% of all pesticide sales. This concentration conveys an enormous position of power and creates agricultural monopolies that have far-reaching effects.
Concentration of power and dependencies
Through patents, these companies not only control the seeds, but also their use. Farmers, especially small farmers, become dependent on these large corporations as they are no longer allowed to reproduce their seeds themselves. Instead, they are forced to buy new and often more expensive genetically engineered seeds every year. As a result, many farmers are in debt and can hardly free themselves from this spiral.
In addition, numerous activists and scientists have pointed out the close links between regulatory authorities, genetic engineering researchers and politicians. From 2005 to 2012, the influence of large corporations on regulation and research in the field of genetic engineering was repeatedly highlighted. These connections have often led to policies that take more account of the interests of large corporations than those of small and medium-sized farms.
Influence on farmers and markets
The effects of these agricultural monopolies are far-reaching. Smallholder families who use genetically modified seeds not only experience legal restrictions, but also considerable economic burdens. The constant purchase of protected seeds increases their production costs considerably. It is also apparent that pests and insects are increasingly developing resistance to the genetically manipulable traits, which reduces the effectiveness and efficiency of the technologies used.
This system also has an impact on the markets. The four dominant corporations exercise near-monopolistic control over significant parts of global agriculture, which contributes to food price increases. Given that, according to the 2019 World Food Report, around 690 million people were chronically undernourished, the problematic side of dependence on the influence of large corporations and the associated patents in agriculture is evident.
Examples of successful agro-technology projects
Progress in agro-technology has led to numerous successful projects that are significant for both agriculture and research. These case studies illustrate how innovation promotion is implemented in practice and the positive effects that can result.
International projects
One outstanding example of successful projects is the “Golden Rice” project. This project aims to develop rice with an increased vitamin A content to combat vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. This innovation has the potential to save millions of lives and reduce health problems.
Another notable project is the development of genetically modified cotton, which is grown in various countries in Africa and Asia. This cotton, which is resistant to certain pests, has led to increased yields and a reduction in the use of pesticides, which has both economic and environmental benefits.
Research and development initiatives
In the area of research and development initiatives, the project at Wageningen University in the Netherlands deserves special mention. Here, new DNA editing techniques are being developed to make plants more resistant to climate change and disease. This promotion of innovation is underpinned by extensive case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of the new technologies.
Another example can be found in the USA, where the company Monsanto (now Bayer) has worked intensively on the development of herbicide-resistant plants. These plants have contributed to increasing efficiency in agriculture and have made it possible to reduce the use of various herbicides.
The importance of public discourse and cooperation
In the debate on agricultural engineering, public discourse is of crucial importance in order to achieve a balanced consideration of the interests of the various stakeholders. Science communication plays a central role in this process in order to present the complex scientific background in an understandable and transparent manner.
Dialogue between science, politics and the public
A constructive dialog between science, politics and the public is essential in order to build trust and help resolve conflicts. In the EU, a “de facto moratorium” on the approval of new genetically modified (GM) plants has been in place since 1998, which highlights the need for intensive discussion. Only through a transparent presentation of the scientific facts and a genuine weighing up of interests can misunderstandings and fears be dispelled.
Promotion of a factual discourse
In order to promote scientific progress in agricultural engineering and at the same time increase social acceptance, an objective discourse must be promoted. In Spain, for example, around 20,000 to 25,000 hectares of GM maize varieties have been cultivated for several years, while in Slovenia the cross-border region “Bio-Alpe-Adria” has been established as a GM-free zone. These different views and approaches show how important it is to promote public debate and intensify scientific communication in order to make informed decisions.
Long-term prospects for agriculture
The future of agriculture is characterized by numerous challenges and opportunities. A third of all food is lost or wasted, while prices for staple foods such as rice and grain have risen sharply. In this context, sustainable practices play a crucial role. Long-term strategies need to be developed to minimize these losses and increase the efficiency of food production.
Given the increasing demand and pressure on natural resources, it is important to integrate technological solutions. In the US, approximately 90 percent of the soybean, corn and cotton crops grown are genetically modified. Despite the potential of these technologies to improve efficiency, critical aspects such as high costs and potential health risks remain. Genetically engineered soy costs almost twice as much as conventional soybeans in the USA, and the development of genetically modified plants can cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
In addition, future forecasts in the field of agricultural engineering are mixed. On the one hand, genetic modifications offer opportunities to increase yields and disease resistance. On the other hand, there are concerns about the long-term effects on biodiversity and human health. The rate of malformations, miscarriages and cancers in Argentina has risen dramatically in some regions since the introduction of genetic engineering.
In order to be successful in the long term, long-term strategies should be developed that ensure both ecological and economic sustainability. These strategies should promote the use of environmentally friendly technologies while minimizing social and health risks. For example, glyphosate has been classified as “probably carcinogenic” by the WHO cancer research organization IARC, which underlines the need for alternative approaches.
The role of policy and regulation in implementing these strategies cannot be underestimated. Clear guidelines and laws are needed to ensure that the use of agrotechnology is safe and responsible. The recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Agriculture (ZKL) and the Borchert Commission offer important points of reference in this regard. In addition, the demands of society, such as a consistent pesticide reduction strategy and better labeling of products, must be taken into account.
In summary, sustainable practices and technological innovations offer promising approaches to overcoming global challenges in agriculture. By combining science, policy and public initiatives, long-term perspectives can be developed to ensure sustainable and future-proof food production.
Agricultural engineering in Germany: current status and outlook
Agricultural engineering in Germany has made considerable progress in recent years. In 2021, around 4% of agricultural land was planted with genetically modified plants. Despite this progress, agricultural engineering remains a controversial topic. While 56% of the German population are in favor of its use to combat hunger, there is also clear skepticism about the potential risks to humans and the environment.
The regulatory framework in the European Union plays a decisive role in the development of agricultural engineering in Germany. The EU has issued strict regulations for the cultivation and labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The share of GMOs in the total area under cultivation in the EU remains low for various reasons, including liability issues and requirements for coexistence with conventional cultivation. In 2022, the total number of GMOs authorized in the EU was 72, 50% of which were intended for food production.
A look into the future shows that agrotechnology could continue to grow in Germany, especially as the EU plans to increase the use of renewable biological resources by 25% by 2030. Support from national trends and high investment in biotechnology research projects could help Germany to take a leading role in the bioeconomy. Developments in agro-technology offer much potential, but the ethical and environmental concerns associated with it must also continue to be taken seriously to ensure a sustainable and safe future.
