G8 Calls for Increased Global Access to Agricultural Biotechnology
July 11, 2008| |
Leaders of the G8 countries, meeting in Hokkaido, Japan for their annual summit, agree that biotechnology could help farmers increase crop productivity and provide more healthful food around the globe. Addressing the issue of global food security, the leaders said that they will “accelerate research and development and increase access to new agricultural technologies to boost agricultural production” and “promote science-based risk analysis including the contribution of seed varieties developed through biotechnology”.
The leaders also agreed to promote agricultural research and development and training of scientists and experts from developing countries focusing on the dissemination of improved, locally adapted and sustainable farming technologies, via the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). In addition, a global partnership on agriculture and food will be formed. The partnership, which would be coordinated by the United Nations, will involve developing country governments, the private sector, civil society, donors, and international institutions. "As part of this partnership, a global network of high-level experts on food and agriculture would provide science-based analysis, and highlight needs and future risks."
The Group of Eight countries include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United States and the United Kingdom.
Read the official G8 statement at http://www.mofa.go.jp/u_news/2/20080708_182602.html For more information, read http://www.bio.org/news/newsitem.asp?id=2008_0708_01
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