Supported by the statement that these geneticists have “tended to base their research and their thinking solely on agricultural methods” that “seek to maximize the land’s output for economic reasons.” It’s fair to say the author believes these geneticists have been “too” willing, because the author thinks their focus should not be primarily on economic output. Instead, preserving diversity of crop genetics should be important, too.

The author never claims that the geneticists’ focus on maximizing crop production hurts small farmers. In fact, small farmers are not necessarily harmed by attempts to maximize output. What is harmed by such efforts is the practice of maintaining heirloom varieties. Another thing that’s harmed is the strength of crops against pests and disease. But small farmers might benefit financially from focusing on maximizing crop production.

Not supported, because the geneticists have recently recognized indigenous knowledge of heirloom varieties as valuable. The geneticists are turning to heirloom varieties as a “possible solution” to the eroding genetic base of North American crops.

Not supported, because their interest in heirloom varieties relates to the diversity of heirloom varieties’ genetics. The geneticists are turning to heirloom varieties as a “possible solution” to the eroding genetic base of North American crops.

Not supported, because the geneticists have recently recognized indigenous knowledge of heirloom varieties as valuable.