AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: A SCHEDULE FOR THE RESEARCH

Abstract

In the globalized, innovation dependent world we live in, efficiency and efficacy in the use of science and technology are essential to build and implement competitive advantages for the Country. This paper prospectively examines what critical technologies and research lines shall line up the agricultural research relevance in Brazil by the next years, by taking into consideration the main aspects of the agriculture's environmental impact. Data come from a two round (135 / 66) Delphi type questionnaire research completed in 1995-96 by a panel of specialists in agriculture and environment. Expected advances of basic and applied science on agroenvironmental impact are examined and ensuing research priorities are listed and justified. Finally, panelists' agreements and disagreements about the problem of using traditional agricultural technology for mitigating and avoiding negative environmental impact are considered, relevant traditional technologies in use in the Country's different regions are identified and related research priorities are suggested.