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NSWAgricultureQuick questions
Elective: Agri-food, Fibre and Fuel Technologies
Quick questions on Biotechnology and value adding explained: HSC Agriculture elective
2short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is biotechnologies in production?Show answer
Several biotechnologies improve the raw product before and during production. Genetic modification inserts a chosen gene to add a trait, as in Australian Bt cotton, where insect resistance sharply cut insecticide use, and herbicide-tolerant canola, which simplified weed control. Marker-assisted selection uses DNA markers to pick superior animals or plants faster than waiting to measure them, accelerating breeding for disease resistance and quality. Tissue culture multiplies disease-free, genetically identical plants rapidly, used in horticulture and to bulk up new varieties.
What is value adding along the supply chain?Show answer
Value adding means processing a raw farm product into a form worth more to the consumer, capturing more of the final price rather than selling the commodity at the farm gate. Milk becomes cheese, butter and infant formula; wheat becomes flour, pasta and bread; wool is scoured, spun and woven; livestock are slaughtered, boned and packaged to specification; grapes become wine. Value adding can happen on farm (farm-gate cheese, boutique wine), in regional facilities (a local abattoir or dairy factory), or further along the chain. It lifts returns, can create regional jobs, and lets producers differentiate their product.
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