Scientific Workshop Tackles Impact of Media in Biotech Applications in Vietnam

The Academy of Journalism and Communication and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development jointly organized a scientific workshop on the role and impact of the media in the application process of GM crops in Vietnam. The workshop gathered around 200 delegates, including media practitioners from 47 news agencies, scientists, and representatives from government ministries and private companies.

Experts and researchers discussed the benefits of GM crops in increasing crop yields and improving the income of farmers. They also discussed the current status of GM crop adoption and research, emphasizing the importance of facts in relaying information to the public. They stressed that the media play a key role in guiding public opinion by popularizing information for the public in general and farmers in particular.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Ky, Vice General Director of Academy of Journalism and Communication, said, "Adequate information from media agencies is the most important factor. Journalists, as well as the management of the news agencies must be oriented on how to access the right information on GM and how it can be relayed to the public. Without this knowledge, the information given to the public may be inaccurate or misleading."

According to Prof. Dr. Le Dinh Luong, the role of media is very important because of its contribution in raising consumer awareness. However, media practitioners need a better understanding of the issues related to GM technology to form their proper position. As a developing country, Vietnam determines the development and application of GM crops as an important part of its national agricultural biotechnology program. In order to implement the Government's policy of "key program for development and application of biotechnology in agriculture sector and rural development to 2020," Vietnam is working towards bringing GM crop into production in 2015 and by 2020 it will expand the area planted with transgenic crops.

For more information on this workshop, contact Le Duc Linh of AgBiotech Vietnam at ldlinh@gmail.com.