Communication Strategies for the Acceptance and Adoption of Biotech Crops in the Asian Region

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotechnology Applications in cooperation with CropLife Asia and Asia BioBusiness Pte. Ltd. held a workshop last 12 August, in conjunction with the International Conference on Asian Food Security which ran through 9 to 12 August in Singapore. The workshop ‘Challenges to the Acceptance and Adoption of Crop Biotechnology featured presentations on the Overview of biotechnology and its role in food security by Dr. Siang Hee Tan, Biotech crop adoption status in Asia by Dr. Randy Hautea, Challenges to commercialization of biotech crops by Dr. Andrew Powell, and the Asia and the Pacific experience in communicating crop biotechnology by Dr. Mariechel Navarro.

Following the active participation of 38 participants, moderated by Dr. Rhodora R. Aldemita, a need to strengthen communication of biotechnology in the region was emphasized. In addition, new strategies should be adopted that include:

1. Strengthening of information campaign on food and environmental biosafety, labeling issue, and internationally-accepted regulations; 
2. Provide sources of science-based information as well as a credible global GMO approval listings; 
3. Emphasize the value and benefits of GM crops to smallholder farmers and the consumers in communication; 
4. Promote available public sector GM crops for use by the farmers; 
5. Help provide technical support to countries who are developing biosafety regulatory laws; 
6. Conduct dialogues among country ministries on the use and benefits of GM crops to come up with harmonized country policies; 
7. Include extension workers who have direct contact with farmers in IEC activities.

For details on the workshop contact knowledge.center@isaaa.org