In
This Issue:
TRADE POLICY
ANALYSIS ON GM CROPS BETWEEN US AND EU
A trade
policy analysis written by Ronald Bailey discusses the trade problems
regarding GM crops that are materializing between the United States
(US) and the European Union (EU). Ronald Bailey is Reason Magazine's
science correspondent and an adjunct scholar at the Center for Trade
Policy Studies (CATO).
Titled "The
Looming Trade War over Plant Biotechnology", the policy analysis
says that on one side stands the US, the world's leading developer
and exporter of genetically modified crops. On the other side is
the EU, whose consumers have been "spooked by anti-biotechnology
activists" and are "demanding that all biotech crops be
labeled if not banned altogether".
The EU
is using the "precautionary principle" to justify its ban
of and import restrictions on GM crops. Under the principle, regulators
do not need to show scientifically that a biotech crop is unsafe,
but rather assert that it has not been proved harmless.
Bailey
contends that the situation has broader implications. The US position
would lead to access of the world's poor to a safe technology while
the EU position would slow down research. The International Food
Policy Research Institute was cited as saying that "global food
production must increase by 40 percent in the next 20 years to meet
the goal of a better and more varied diet for a world population
of some 8 billion people".
Bailey
comments that "the only way to protect completely against unknown
risks is never to do anything for the first time". He further
writes, "it is essential to preserve and insist upon standards
based on a scientific risk assessment in order to maintain and expand
a freer international trading system. Jettisoning scientific risk
assessment and replacing it with a precautionary approach will open
the entire trading system to interruptions based on arbitrary justifications".
The policy
analysis can be seen at http://www.freetrade.org/pubs/pas/tpa-018es.html
GM CROPS
BENEFIT SMALL FARMERS IN SPAIN
"Genetically
modified maize has been successfully grown on a commercial basis
in Spain for several years", states the summary of a report
written by Graham Brookes of Brookes West Consultancy, and former
agricultural economist at the Centre for European Agricultural Studies
at Wye College, University of London.
The paper
entitled "The Farm Level Impact of using Bt Maize in Spain" states
that the country accounts for 11% of the total European Union production
of the crop. Bt maize has been planted since 1998 and accounts for
4%-5% of the Spanish production.
It was
reported that there is no size barrier to the successful use of the
technology. In Spain, Bt maize was being grown on farms with an average
size of 50 hectares with maize being grown on part of the farm. At
this scale of use, there is a conservative estimate of an improvement
in yield of 1.8-2.5%. Bt maize was also more effective at reducing
yield lost to the European Corn Borer, a primary pest, than insecticides
used on conventional maize.
The full
report is available at the EuropaBio website at http://www.europabio.org/pages/
ne_gbgmcrops.asp
MALAYSIAN PM
SUPPORTS BIOTECH INITIATIVES
Prime
Minister of Malaysia Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohammad stressed
his country's commitment to biotechnology during the opening ceremonies
of BioMalaysia 2002 held at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
The four- day international conference which started October 1, aimed
at fostering partnerships and raising awareness about the industry.
The head
of state noted that Malaysia aspires to become one of the key biotechnology
hubs in the world while reaping the greatest potential benefits from
its greatly diversified bioresources. The government has indicated
in its Eighth Malaysia Plan, that biotechnology will become a major
initiative in the promotion of science and technology, research and
development, and technological innovation to support Malaysia's overall
strategy for sustainable growth in the knowledge-based economy.
Mahathir
stressed that Malaysia has a lot to offer to the biotechnology industry. "These
assets require exploration and intensive studies in terms of research
and development in order to make available to the rest of the world,
the benefits of biotechnology, such as cheaper and more efficacious
drugs derived from natural resources, better therapies, and higher
crop production with improved nutrients, taste and quality",
he said.
However,
the Prime Minister cautioned that while much can be done in the field
of biotechnology, "it is again important that the question of
ethics be given serious consideration". He noted that while
the whole world must benefit from life science research, "we
should ensure a fair return, we should not be so profit- oriented
that we forget our social obligations".
Commenting
on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Mahathir opined that foods
derived from them hold great promise but that "we continue to
verify their effects as quickly as science will allow us"... "It
would be unfortunate indeed, if millions must die because the rich
have decided to reject GM food in favor of the more costly normal
products".
The Prime
Minister announced that the main implementation vehicle for the country's
biotechnology development program is BioValley Malaysia. It is intended
to be a catalyst and test bed for the development of Malaysia's biotechnology
industry. The BioValley will be designed to enable the co-location
of a critical mass of researchers, industry workers and entrepreneurs
in an environment created to facilitate networking, sharing of information
and ideas, and the development of commercial activities pertaining
to biotech. It will incorporate research, commercial, educational,
recreational and residential facilities including a zone catering
specifically for manufacturing.
KORNBERG:
TEMPER PROMISE OF BIOTECH WITH MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES
Nobel
Laureate of Medicine Arthur Kornberg said that the age of genetic
engineering and biotechnology is a golden era in science. Recent
advances in biotechnology will have profound effects in medicine
and agriculture. He expressed concern, however, that while biotechnology
is "good and powerful" it might be " too much of a
good thing". For example, it is susceptible to mismanagement
as it ultimately leads to a commercial venture with a goal of making
money fast. Kornberg's remarks were delivered during his keynote
address at the BioMalaysia 2002 and at a side event at the Legend
Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Kornberg
emphasized the importance of basic research and called for strong
government support, especially in developing countries. "If
you think basic research is expensive, try disease", he said.
He noted that "targeted research rarely succeeds and faces global
competition", but basic research discoveries are novel, and
rapidly translated into practical applications. There is also the
danger of brain drain of best scientists who for lack of support
for basic research decide to work in developed countries. "The
institutional environment should support scientists", he emphasized.
Kornberg
cited the advantages of venture partnerships in biotechnology where
scientists become entrepreneurs. These include: links with big pharmaceutical
companies to produce discoveries; presence of small, focused, cooperative,
and passionate entities; improved agricultural system that enhances
food supply and quality, and animal health; additional careers for
scientists; and provision of a conduit for exchanges between the
academe and industry.
However,
he warned of putting profits before science in developing the biotechnology
industry. Kornberg noted that some capital ventures are not in business
to do research but in research to do business. In this situation,
he said, there is a danger of losing public trust.
A major
problem in biotechnology, according to Kornberg, is public fear of
biotechnology fueled by the media. The "European society is
foolishly paralyzed by fear of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
yet biotech is possibly the solution to better and more food".
He noted that numerous studies show that these foods are safe and "probably
safer than crossing the streets of Kuala Lumpur". Another problem
is the perpetuation of ignorance on biotechnology exemplified by
stoppage in stem tissue research due to its supposed "immorality".
Kornberg opined that what makes it immoral is the ignorance of the
science and the benefits that it could provide. Hence, public awareness
of biotechnology issues is crucial as "knowledge beats ignorance".
Kornberg
is professor emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry at the Stanford
University School of Medicine. He won the Nobel Prize in 1959 for
his discovery and purification of the enzymes essential for DNA synthesis.
MALAYSIAN
STATES SET UP BIOTECH UNITS
The Malacca
government in Malaysia has formed a unit under the Chief Minister's
Office to promote research and other activities in biotechnology.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said former Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia lecturer Dr. Faridah H.M. Shah has been appointed
to head the unit.
Making
the announcement during the launching of the National Forestry Day,
the Chief Minister said that he hoped that the formation of the unit
will help develop the biotechnology industry particularly in the
fields of food, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
In related
developments, Sarawak State wants to play a significant role in the
biotechnology industry as it has huge potentials for growth in the
area. Assistant Planning and Resource Management Minister Alfred
Yap Chin Loi said that the State's rich biodiversity and multi-ethnic
communities living in the environment has resulted in extensive knowledge
on plants and animals.
"This
ethno-botanical knowledge is unique for Sarawak and offers promising
opportunities for drug discovery", said Yap. He stated that
present efforts include the drug discovery from Bintangor tree from
which an active anti-HIV agent was obtained. It is now undergoing
clinical trials in the US.
The State
established the Sarawak Biodiversity Center to ensure sustainable
genetic resources and to build a strong database for bioresources.
ADOPTION
OF Bt COTTON IN SOUTH AFRICA
Johann
Kirsten and Marnus Gouse of the Department of Agricultural Economics,
Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa,
wrote a paper entitled "Bt Cotton in South Africa: Adoption
and Impact on Farm Incomes Amongst Small- and Large-Scale Farmers".
They report that in the 2000/2001 season, an estimated 300 large-scale
commercial farmers produced 95% of South Africa's cotton crop, and
the other 5% was produced by about 3,000 small-scale farmers on the
Makhatini Flats and another 312 farmers in the Tonga area.
Among
the large-scale farmers the most important benefit of Bt cotton cited
was the savings on pesticides and application costs followed by peace
of mind about bollworms. For small-scale farmers who adopted the
technology, the most important reason was pesticide saving. It is
interesting to note that increased yield benefit was seen as more
important by small-scale farmers. Large-scale farmers saw it more
as a bonus.
It was
reported that despite higher seed cost and the additional technology
fee, both large-scale and small-scale farmers realized net incomes
per hectare due to higher yield and savings on pesticide chemicals.
The farmers' adoption of the technology was attributed to the benefits
they gained from it.
The study
can be downloaded at: http://www.isb.vt.edu/news/2002/news02.oct.html#oct0204
GENETICALLY MODIFIED
CROPS DEBATES ON THE RISE IN KENYA
Kenyans
are increasingly seeking more information on genetically modified
products. The Resource Conflict Institute in Nakuru, Kenya recently
invited Dr. Stephen Mugo, coordinator of the Insect Resistant Maize
for Africa (IRMA) project to deliver a public lecture entitled 'Genetically
Modified Maize and Food: Solution or Problem?' Dr. Mugo reported
that drought and low soil fertility sometimes accounted for losses
of between 7 to 17 percent of the total maize production but diseases
and pests were the main threats to the crop resulting in annual losses
of 5.9 billion Kenya Shillings (equivalent to about US$ 80 million).
The maize stem borer was the worst threat that required comprehensive
control measures. Increasing demand for maize coupled with ineffective
disease and pest control measures necessitated the adoption of biotechnology
to produce maize strains with a high capacity for disease resistance
and tolerance to adverse weather and environmental conditions. The
IRMA project aims to increase maize production and food security
through development of insect resistant maize strains in Africa.
Elsewhere,
Mr. Philip Okundi, former Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of
Standards said that the Kenya Government was spearheading an ambitious
plan to revamp the cotton sector through biotechnology in a bid to
benefit from the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), which
opened the United States markets to textiles from Africa. He was
speaking in Homa Bay Cotton Ginnery in the cotton growing Lake Victoria
region of Kenya. Mr. Okundi made reference to a new cotton variety
that is resistant to Cotton Bollworm, the most devastating of the
pests that attack cotton. He added that on introduction, the new
insect resistant cotton, would offer farmers several benefits including
increased yields, 80 percent reduction in the use of chemical pesticides
and time saving. The new biotechnology-derived cotton has been commercialized
in countries like South Africa and China where socio-economic and
environmental impact studies have found the product to be harmless
to beneficial insects with no known risks to human health and the
environment. (From Kenya Biotechnology Information Center http://www.isaaa-africenter.org/index.html)
KENYAN BIOTECHNOLOGY
STAKEHOLDERS CHART WAY FORWARD AFTER WSSD
The African
Biotechnology Stakeholders' Forum (ABSF) convened a meeting to brief
its members on the resolutions and recommendations from the recently
concluded World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) with a view
to mapping a way forward. Professor Wanjiru Mwatha, a member of ABSF
who participated in the World Summit, presented a summary of the
key resolutions and recommendations with implications for the development
and application of biotechnology in Africa. The five priority areas
targeted in the implementation plan for global commitment to combat
poverty for sustainable development are water, energy, health, agriculture
and biodiversity (WEHAB). Political commitments pledged by world
leaders and heads of Governments included:
- To
give priority to the fight against chronic hunger, malnutrition,
communicable and chronic diseases.
- To
increase access to basic requirements in health care, food security,
energy and environmental protection.
- To
use modern technology to catalyze development.
- To
ensure that technology transfer matches human resource development
through education and training.
In relation
to biotechnology in Africa, the main achievements from the WSSD were
the commitments to provide resources and investments for responsible
deployment of biotechnology and the mobilization of the New Partnership
for Africa's Development (NEPAD), a new initiative for cooperative
development among African countries. NEPAD pledged to promote and
support technology development and diffusion in Africa, to further
the development of technology and knowledge available in African
centers of excellence, to support development of effective science
and technology institutions and research activities as well as to
enhance networking of research centers. In addition, there was a
need to enhance collaboration between scientists, policy makers,
public and private institutions to improve biotechnology policy and
decision-making.
Major
challenges to development and application of biotech in Africa were
identified as:
- Lack
of effective policy frameworks to enhance and regulate biotechnology
development and application.
- The
need to develop appropriate partnerships for sustainable use of
biotechnology.
- The
need to lobby national governments to allocate more resources to
build and maintain effective capacity for biotechnology.
- Development
of effective communication strategies and structures to enhance
understanding of biotechnology and its application in problem solving.
As a way
forward, ABSF and the Biotechnology Information Center pledged to
play a catalytic role in the follow-up process by facilitating dialogue
among policy-makers and providing stakeholders with up-to-date information
on developments in biotechnology globally to enable efficient policy
formulation and strengthen networking among the various biotech players.
(From Kenya Biotechnology Information Center http://www.isaaa-africenter.org/index.html)
NSF AWARDS
$75.6M FOR PLANT GENOME RESEARCH
The National
Science Foundation (NSF) today awarded a total of $75.6 million to
support 23 collaborative research projects in plant genomics. This
year's competition emphasized collaborative research in functional
genomics, including development of tools to facilitate gene expression
studies. Aside from corn, researchers will focus on economically
important crops such as potato, tomato, pine, cotton, soybean, rice
and grape.
Another
9.5 million was awarded to eight young investigators under the inaugural
Young Investigator Awards in Plant Genome Research Competition. This
award focuses on the development of future leaders in plant genome
research. The recipients have earned doctorates since 1997 and are
at the beginning of their independent research careers.
The NSF
is an independent agency of the U.S. Government established to promote
the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity,
and welfare; and to secure the national defense. The press release
can be seen at http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/02/pr0279.htm
ANNOUNCEMENT
CropBiotech
Net, the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology website has
been recently updated. The Global Status of Kenya, Egypt, and South
Africa has been added. Keep posted for more updates. Visit http://www.isaaa.org/kc to
view the updated website. |
