Biotech Updates

Seed Association for Central Asia

August 8, 2008

A Regional Seed Association, covering the 10-nation Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) region of Central Asia, has just been formed to provide improved seeds and plant genetic resources suited to farmers’ local needs. In addition, the association promotes technology transfer, serves as a forum for regular consultations on seeds and plant genetic resources, and contributes to seed trade regulation.

The ECO member countries are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The Association, to be based in Ankara, Turkey, is an effort of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas.

View http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2008/1000904/index.html for the full report.