Agricultural Biotech Advocates to Reach Out to Policymakers

The Cornell Alliance for Science 2018 Global Leadership Fellows are in the final leg of their training this week (November 13-16, 2018), talking about their experiences to the U.S. and international policymakers in Washington, D.C. with the goal of getting support to promote agricultural innovation in their countries.

The fellows came from various fields, including farming, journalism, science, education, law, and human rights activism. Most of them are from Africa and Asia, with a common passion for pursuing the advancement of agri-biotech in their own nations.

The visit is the last activity for their 12-week training at Cornell University, which was aimed at helping them improve their skills in public speaking, grassroots organizing, and effective communication. After completing the program, they will join the growing global network that champions evidence-based agricultural policies and greater farmer access to improved seeds.

"Biotech is one of the tools that can address some of her challenges. She (female farmer) can obtain drought-tolerant, pest-resistant varieties of seed that can feed her children, send them to school and break the poverty cycle," said Fellow Zola Madaga from Kenya, who is advocating for access to technologies to help the women African farmers.

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