3. Biotechnology including Genetic Engineering / GMO

Modern Food Biotechnology, Human health and Development: an evidence-based study — by World Health Organization — last modified 2007-06-23 20:54

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This study was commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish a knowledge base for evaluating the application of modern biotechnology in food production. The study does not seek to address all issues and evidence in detail, but rather aims to place in context the overall impact of this technology on human health and development. The study reviews evidence in several broad areas related to the use of genetically modified (GM) organisms in the food supply (GM foods), including a review of GM food products currently available, the assessment of risks and benefits, the broader impact on societies, and the existing regulatory capacity in countries. The evidence was collected and collated by WHO with the support of a background group of external experts (list of experts - annex 1). Data for the study were gathered through traditional methodology as well as through an open questionnaire and an Internet-based electronic discussion process. Preliminary results were discussed at a broad stakeholder meeting held in 2003 (list of participants - annex 1), informing further data search and revision. Published by Food Safety Division, WHO published in 2005

Biotechnology and Genetic Resource Policies — by Philip G. Pardey — last modified 2007-06-23 20:58

ABOUT RESEARCH AT A GLANCE AND THIS SERIES Researchers and policy analysts increasingly need concise, comprehensive information on all aspects of complex research issues. IFPRI's Research at a Glance series has been designed to meet this need.This volume contains the first of a series of IFPRI briefs on biotechnology and genetic resource policies. The briefs present syntheses and synopses of research conducted by a team from IFPRI’s Environment and Production Technology Division and several collaborators. The team focuses on issues related to intellectual property rights, genetic resource management and conservation, biodiversity, and biotechnology. Published by International Food Policy Research Institute in 2003

Opportunities and Challenges in Agricultural Biotechnology: The Decade Ahead — by USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture — last modified 2007-06-23 21:01

AC21 members share a vision of a safe and abundant food supply and a diversified agricultural marketplace that can meet the needs and preferences of customers and consumers in the United States and the world for a variety of products, including those derived from modern biotechnology. AC21 members have diverse views about the appropriate role of plants and animals produced using modern biotechnology in the food and agricultural marketplace, as well as how USDA should assess and address the many factors shaping the context within which these products will be introduced. This paper provides a brief summary of the extensive deliberations by the Committee in exploring the potential products that technically could enter the marketplace in the next five to ten years, the many factors shaping the future context in which these products will be introduced, and a broad range of topics Committee members think relevant for USDA to consider. The series of topics discussed reflects the range of perspectives of the AC21 membership. Each topic was initially identified by one or more members of the Committee as likely to be of significance to the Secretary and USDA over the next 3 decade. The topics included are not of equal importance to all members of the Committee and they are not prioritized. The paper as a whole is a consensus product of the full committee; however, for topics 8, 14, 15, 16, and 24 in this report, a range of views of different members is presented. Prepared by the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture. Published on July 13, 2006

African Seeds and Biotechnology Programme — by FAO — last modified 2007-06-23 21:06

The programme will focus on germplasm management and development, crop research and variety release, including farmer testing/selection activities, dissemination of varieties, and production and supply of seed and planting materials through local and formal systems. The programme will also support development of improved disaster preparedness. It will pursue an integrated approach to enhance capacities for seed policy development and implementation, strengthen linkages between informal and formal seed sectors, ensure further adherence to international norms and standards, stimulate transfer of seed and biotechnology and encourage public-private partnerships to promote development of local seed enterprises.

Evaluation of FAO Biotechnology PAIA - Survey results — by FAO — last modified 2007-06-23 22:04

As part of an overall strategy of enhancing interdisciplinarity within FAO, a number of priority areas for interdisciplinary action (PAIAs) were identified a few years ago. One of these was biotechnology and a major role of the Biotechnology PAIA has been to provide factual, comprehensive and updated information about agricultural biotechnology. Published by FAO in 2006

STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2005-2015 — by Biotechnology Office government of Argentina — last modified 2007-06-23 22:08

A future with many challenges has been predicted for the agricultural production; and biotechnology is proposed to play as the main source of technological solutions to confront these challenges. But biotechnology is not just a technological matter, its development involves cutting-edge science, political, legal and economic variables, and external and internal negotiations. Published by Biotechnology Office government of Argentina.