Book Proposal: “Successful new genetics crops in emerging economies”

This proposal is for the joint publication by the John Templeton Foundation (JTF) of a book with the above tentative title in partnership with Cambridge University Press (CUP). The CUP Syndicate has already approved the book for publication and contracts have been issued. JTF funding is sought for appropriate honoraria which would not otherwise be possible from royalties for the approximately 39 contributing authors who are world leaders in their fields. CUP would be responsible for all preparation, copy-editing, printing, marketing and distribution. In recent years advances in the genetic sciences and technologies of plant breeding have greatly accelerated and reduced the costs of plant breeding compared with earlier genetic modification and thus help to boost agricultural efficiencies in emerging economies – especially Sub-Saharan Africa. This book is designed to promote the responsible implementation of these advances by world-renowned experts authoring chapters for the successful implementation of these new technologies. It is intended as a guide for policy and decision makers, funding and aid agencies, civil society and regulatory organisations, educational and extension services, journalists and other interested professionals and as a resource during undergraduate and postgraduate courses, in-service training, workshops and similar events in developed or emerging economies. The book will have four main sections: 1: The issues of plant science and food security 2: New genetics crops across the emerging world 3: Lessons learned about implementing new genetics crops in policy 4: Ethical, legal, social and political issues It is crucial to raise wide awareness of the global food security imperative and the roles that recent advances in genetics and crop breeding may play in alleviating it. This book can contribute significantly in doing so and ensure its optimal uptake and impact by the partnership of JTF and CUP in supporting and promoting it.