Plant Science Industries Establishes the Compact

The Compact, a clearly defined, efficient, and fair process for countries to file and process claims related to damage to biological diversity caused by living modified organisms (LMOs) is now in force, said a press release from CropLife International. The six industry members of the Compact: BASF, Bayer, CropScience, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont, Monsanto, and Syngenta have developed the framework and guidelines for clear, science-based process for resolving claims alleging damage to biological diversity. The Compact was introduced to national government and food value chain stakeholders since 2008.

 "The plant science industry's commitment to stewardship and the responsible development and use of living modified organisms has helped to ensure there has been no negative impact on biological diversity for over fifteen years of commercialization," said Denise Dewar, Executive Director of Plant Biotechnology at CropLife International. She added that the "intent in implementing the Compact is that in the unlikely event of damage to biological diversity, States will choose to seek remediation under The Compact because it is the most effective, efficient, and comprehensive process for addressing these sorts of claims, and provides the assurance of recovery in the event of actual damage."

See the press release at  http://www.croplife.org/files/documentspublished/1/en-us/NR/5642_NR_2010_09_15_Press_Release_-_Plant_Science_Industry_Establishes_The_Compact.doc