Biotech Updates

Stakeholder Study on Biotech Perceptions in Egypt

February 12, 2010

The Modern Science and Technology University (MSA) and Egypt Biotechnology Information Center (EBIC) conducted a study to determine stakeholder perceptions about  crop biotechnology. A case study of  22 different stakeholders (scientists, media, private and public sector, and farmers) were interviewed to get glimpses into their respective views about the technology. Scientists claimed that "crop biotechnology presents an agricultural application for the world and the future for Egypt." Prof. Osama Momtaz, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, added that "for Egypt, crop biotechnology is a necessity not a luxury."

Farmers expressed their satisfaction with biotech maize, noting that they benefited more than from using conventional varieties. Consumers showed their interest about the applications of biotechnology. They expressed their concern for popularized information so as to better understand the technology.

For more information, contact Dr. Ismail AbdelHamid, director of the Egypt Biotechnology Information Center, at ebicvision@yahoo.com