Biotech Updates

Biotechnology in South Africa: An Annual Report

July 27, 2007

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service (USDA-FAS) has published a full report on biotechnology in South Africa, including the status and the extent of GM plantings in the country. The success of GM adoption in South Africa is likely due to the progressive South African Regulatory System and the presence of scientific expertise and financial support. Biotechnology regulatory matters are discussed and decided by an Executive Council composed of representatives from eight South African governmental departments. South Africa can set the model in this part of the world in developing biotechnology policies. However, as with other countries with strong anti-GM movements, the process of approving new GM crops has also slowed down in recent times.

The 21-page report can be viewed online at http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200707/146291657.pdf