Biotech Updates

FAS Jakarta Launches "Biotech Ambassadors" Outreach

November 7, 2018

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service organized two outreach events in Jakarta and Bogor on October 24 and 25, 2018 with the objective of advancing the public understanding and acceptance of modern biotechnology applications in agriculture. The events included lectures, collaborative ideas sessions and film screening of a Dutch documentary titled Well Fed, which were attended by a diverse group of stakeholders representing academia, government, and industry. A panel discussion on biotechnology and its status in Indonesia was conducted after the film showing.

The challenges in modern agri-biotech were discussed while laying out a path for continued engagement with policymakers and the public. It was concluded that outreach on biotech research and market access is vital since Indonesia has yet to allow the commercialization of GE crops. As part of the seminar, nine influential advocates were also identified, representing the scientific, farming, and research communities to serve as "Biotech Ambassadors". Dr. Mahalecthumy Arujanan of Malaysia Biotechnology Information Center and ISAAA's Dr. Rhodora Aldemita served as resource speakers in the two-day event.

Read more from USDA FAS or contact knowledge.center@isaaa.org.