Crop Biotech Update


A weekly summary of world developments in agri-biotech for developing countries, produced by the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology, International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications SEAsiaCenter (ISAAA), and AgBiotechNet 
October 4, 2002

In This Issue:

Trade Policy Analysis on GM Crops Between US and EU
Adoption of Bt Cotton in South Africa
GM Crops Benefit Small Farmers in Spain
Genetically Modified Crops Debates on the Rise in Kenya
Malaysian PM Supports Biotech Initiatives
Kenyan Biotechnology Stakeholders Chart Way Forward After WSSD
Kornberg: Temper Promise of Biotech with Management of Resources
NSF Awards $75.6M for Plant Genome Research
Malaysian States Set Up Biotech Units
Announcement

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

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