Cairo University Hosts 1^st International Conference for GM Crops & Food

The Faculty of Agriculture at Cairo University organized the 1st International Conference for GM Crops and Food in Cairo on November 27, 2012. The conference focused on agricultural plant biotechnology, food safety and biosafety regulations. The involvement of farmers in the discussion of experiences on planting genetically modified (GM) crops provided an opportunity to bridge the gap between farmers and researchers. Around 300 delegates attended the conference.

More than 20 speakers from eight countries gave presentations on topics including modern techniques in developing transgenic plants, applications of GM crops, biofortification, farming, commercialization, political concerns, biosafety regulation, risk assessment, future perspectives, socio-economic impacts, and farmer-to farmer talk.

Among the recommendations announced at the closing session of the conference include the following:

• Address issues that can be tackled by biotechnology
• Highlight sustainability benefits of biotech
• Increase public awareness of biotech and enhance role of national biosafety committees
• Enhance communication between scientists and society
• Formulate regulations for more investment by the private sector in biotech

For more information, contact Naglaa Abdallah at nabdallah@e-bic.net. Details of the presentations can be viewed at http://www.e-bic.net/archives/ofab/icgmcf-2012/.