Introduction: a taxonomy of genebank value

How much is a collection of plant genetic resources worth? Why do economists hesitate to place a value on it? Plant genetic resources generate economic value with multiple dimensions that are difficult to conceptualize. Only a few of these dimensions can be measured and related to a market price tha...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Smale, Melinda, Koo, Bonwoo
Format: Brief
Language:Inglés
Published: International Food Policy Research Institute 2003
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/156319
Description
Summary:How much is a collection of plant genetic resources worth? Why do economists hesitate to place a value on it? Plant genetic resources generate economic value with multiple dimensions that are difficult to conceptualize. Only a few of these dimensions can be measured and related to a market price that is a basis for valuation. Scientific nuances complicate measurement. For example, the definition of the genetic unit to be valued depends on the crop and the farming-system context, and whether the units can be added together depends on how closely they resemble one another.