Biotech Updates

Turkey Biosafety Law Discussed

October 1, 2010

The Istanbul Policy Center (IPC) held a conference at Sabanci University, Istanbul on 24 September 2010 to initiate public discussion on the impacts of the Turkish Biosafety law and regulations on the country's ability to secure its food production while reducing the environmental footprint of its agriculture. Analysis showed that regulations will pose implementation challenges and impede the development and deployment of biotechnology in Turkey.

Presentations and discussions addressed a wide variety of topics including experiences in implementing Biosafety Policies in developing countries. It was recommended that the Turkish Biosafety law and implementing regulations be reviewed on the short term, and that such review is best conducted in the context of an overall government policy on biotechnology, sustainable agricultural production, improved health care and environmental protection.

For more on the Sabanci conference and biotech issues in Turkey contact Prof. Selim Centiner of Sabanci University, Istanbul at cetiner@sabanciuniv.edu.