Why do modern agricultural techniques, which are environmentally damaging, continue to be used? This book seeks the answer to that question, by looking at the evolution of agricultural research in its cultural context. The theoretical framework is supported by historical case studies concerning hybrid maize in the United States, and the Green Revolution in Mexico. A chapter is also devoted to biotechnology, and its implications for the disturbing trend towards genetic uniformity.

Why do modern agricultural techniques, which are environmentally damaging, continue to be used? This path-breaking book seeks the answer to that question in an understanding of evolution of agricultural research in its cultural context.