Biotech Updates

Asian Biotech Crop Importing Countries Hold Seminars on Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops for 2013

March 12, 2014

Biotech crops importing countries South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia hosted the seminar of ISAAA founder and Emeritus Chair Dr. Clive James' Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops for 2013. In Seoul, Korea,  the media conference was held on February 17 and participated by 25 journalists. Inquiries were on the status of the development and commercialization of biotech crops in Europe,  climate change, and the possible solutions to public mistrust and awareness about GM crops. Four media interviews were conducted for print and online releases.

In Tokyo Japan, a seminar held on February 18 was participated by more than 100 stakeholders interested in biotechnology. Dr. Clive James' presentation of the Global Status Report was well received as well as the presentations of Dr. Randy Hautea on biotech corn commercialization in the Philippines, Dr. Masahiro Suzuki on activities of Center for Biotechnology in Japan, and Nippon Biotechnology Information Center (BIC) director Dr. Fusao Tomita on biotech crop awareness and acceptance in Japan. The ISAAA team was received by the US MInister-Counselor for Agricultural Affairs David Miller during their visit at the US Embassy in Tokyo. 

The Jakarta, Indonesia seminar was held on February 28 with 128 people in attendance. Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan of Malaysia BIC joined Dr. James and Dr. Hautea by giving a presentation on Communicating agri-biotech: Scientific accuracy vs popularized myths. Two interviews for release on television were conducted featuring Dr. Clive James.

Fof further information, contact knowledge.center@isaaa.org.