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Abstract
In recent years, output on genetic diversity in the economic literature has included
conceptual pieces on the definition and measurement of crop genetic diversity,
methodologies for estimating its value, and efforts to analyze its contribution to
productivity and stability. However, because biological diversity refers in general to a
broad area of scientific inquiry, the growing quantity of literature has also generated
some confusion over the definition, measurement, and interpretation of genetic diversity
in the context of economic analysis. This paper addresses some of the measurement
issues encountered in incorporating genetic diversity into economic analysis by
presenting a synthesis of several of the relevant concepts and tools. Using data collected
in Australia and China, we compare the results from the application of some of the
diversity concepts and discuss the implications of using them into future economic
analysis.