Biotech Updates

Crop Biofortification, Key to Meeting MDGs

January 22, 2010

Crop biofortification utilizes genetic modification (GM) as well as conventional breeding of crops to enhance levels of essential micronutrients. The potentials and safety issues of GM biofortified crops to address micronutrient deficiencies was the focus of a public symposium held last January 18, 2010 at SEARCA, College, Laguna, Phililppines. Invited nutritionists and biotechnologists gave their insights on the importance of biofortified crops as one of the solutions in addressing the problem of micronutrient deficiency.

Dr. Corazon Barba of the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) said that, "Six out of the eight objectives in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are related to micronutrient deficiency. And together with conventional interventions, such as supplementation and industrial fortification, biofortification of crops with essential micronutrients could greatly contribute in the attainment of these MDGs". Current biofortification initiatives on rice for pro-Vitamin A, iron, and zinc was presented by Dr. Gerard Barry, Golden Rice Network Coordinator of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), who emphasized that GM biofortified crops like Golden Rice are assessed for food and environmental safety prior to commercial release. Golden Rice which will be the first GM biofortified crop, is expected to reach commercial approval in the Philippines by 2012 or 2013.

Dr. Randy Hautea of ISAAA said that the global scientific community is sensitized by this overwhelming problem that needs prompt and effective solution. Different biotechnology initiatives on biofortification are underway and he believes that crop biofortification is one of the long term solutions in combating this widespread and persistent public health problem and in alleviating global malnutrition. The symposium was organized by the UPLB Institute of Human Nutrition and Food in cooperation with the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center and the Biotech Coalition of the Philippines.

For more biotechnology updates in the Philippines, visit http://www.bic.agri.searca.org or email bic@agri.searca.org