In conjunction with the upcoming Hokkaido Toyako G8 Summit in July 7-9, 2008, a Bio-Summit was held in Sapporo and Tokyo on the subject of Agri-biotechnology for Improving the Environment, a key area of discussion in the G8 Summit. The non-profit organization Hokkaido Bio-Industry Association (HOBIA) led the thirteen other biotechnology and molecular biology councils and societies including the Council for Biotechnology Information Japan (CBIJ) in hosting the events in the two cities.

Speakers included leading biotechnology experts: Dr. German Spangenberg, executive director of BioSciences Research Division of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Australia who expounded on the agri-biotech initiatives being conducted in the country; Dr. Abdul Hamid Zakri, from UN University in Yokohama presented some approaches for countries to benefit from biotechnology through enabling regulations; Dr. Suguru Sato, USDA-FAS Japan discussed current trends in US agri-biotechnology; Dr. Yutaka Sato, a scientist from the National Agricultural Research Center, Hokkaido presented the center’s strategies to combat cold and drought stresses through biotechnology; Dr. Takashi Yamakawa of Tokyo University presented his views on the pros and cons of GM crops in Japan; and Dr. Rhodora R. Aldemita of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotechnology Applications presented the Philippine biotechnology focusing on the development of golden rice.

At the close of the Bio-Summit, Dr. Fusao Tomita, president of HOBIA presented a declaration in support of biotechnology that includes:

1. A recognition that Biotechnology offers the solution for Japanese agricultural problems and that there be a rapid development and utilization of biotechnology and genetically-modified organisms in increasing the productivity of agricultural lands, in controlling pests and diseases, in developing new consumable products, and in tapping renewable energy source.
2. Establish a biotechnology arm that will oversee biotechnology policy and regulation
3. Improve the biotechnology policy in Japan that will give free hand to farmers on their farming preferences.
4. Strengthen the biotechnology awareness building strategies that would encourage and improve public participation in the decision-making process on biotechnology-related issues.
5. Support biotechnology awareness program by established private and public sectors to increase biotechnology perception in the country.

For details of the Bio-Summit contact Dr. Fusao Tomita of HOBIA and Nippon BIC at: YRL05042@nifty.com.