Economic potential of adopting genomic technology in Alberta’s tree improvement sector

The adoption of genomic technology and the use of improved seeds are expected to improve timber productivity in Alberta. However, this improvement will need to take place within the confines of the public-private nature of the sector where 93% of the total forest area is publicly owned. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which a timber harvest policy known as the allowable cut effect can affect the welfare outcomes of adopting genomics-assisted tree breeding. Using the forest industry of Alberta as the empirical setting, the economic returns to the adoption of this new breeding technology in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) are calculated by estimating a timber supply model and a spatial equilibrium model. Under certain policy and technology improvement scenarios, the economic returns are negative, which would result in non-adoption of the technology. However, under other feasible conditions, the payoffs of genomics-assisted tree breeding research are large and positive. These results illustrate the important role that government policies can have on the returns to adopting new technologies.

Economic potential of adopting genomic technology in Alberta’s tree improvement sector

The adoption of genomic technology and the use of improved seeds are expected to improve timber productivity in Alberta. However, this improvement will need to take place within the confines of the public-private nature of the sector where 93% of the total forest area is publicly owned. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which a timber harvest policy known as the allowable cut effect can affect the welfare outcomes of adopting genomics-assisted tree breeding. Using the forest industry of Alberta as the empirical setting, the economic returns to the adoption of this new breeding technology in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) are calculated by estimating a timber supply model and a spatial equilibrium model. Under certain policy and technology improvement scenarios, the economic returns are negative, which would result in non-adoption of the technology. However, under other feasible conditions, the payoffs of genomics-assisted tree breeding research are large and positive. These results illustrate the important role that government policies can have on the returns to adopting new technologies.

Pemanfaatan informasi genom untuk eksplorasi struktur genetik dan asosiasinya dengan performan ternak di Indonesia

<p class="MDPI17abstract">Currently, livestock development strategies in various countries have made extensive use of molecular technology at the genome level. Genome contains information of the entire DNA within the livestock cells, therefore it is believed that this technology is able to map the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes more precisely. Genome technology describes all genes in the body and how they interact and influence the growth and performance of livestock. Genome information can support every effort for livestock development including breeding, optimizing the feed nutrition efficiency through the use of feed ingredients more efficiently, and improving reproduction performance. In terms of efforts to improve livestock performance in Indonesia, genomic technology can be utilized to increase the accuracy and efficiency of livestock selection programs. The application of genomic technology in Indonesia still encounters many constraints, including lack of confidence on the benefits that can be generated, the high cost, as well as the incomplete recording data of livestock performance. Currently, researchers in Indonesia have started utilizing genome information to explore the genetic structure of livestock and its association with the livestock performance. Support from all stakeholders are needed to minimize the limitations of genome technology application on livestock in Indonesia.<strong></strong></p>