China's Agriculture Vice Minister Sees Need for Biotech

It is crucial for developing countries to strengthen national food security, increase farmers' income, and eradicate poverty. Application of biotechnology in agriculture can accelerate the selective breeding of new varieties that are high yielding, and resistant to pests and diseases. Dr. Li Jiayang, Vice Minister of Agriculture, People's Republic of China and President of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS) shared these thoughts in a meeting in Beijing, China with Dr. Clive James, chair and founder of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications(ISAAA) and Dr. Randy Hautea, ISAAA Global Coordinator on February 9, 2012.

James said that biotechnology is a pivotal way to ensure food security in developing countries. Brazil, Argentina, and India are investing more in agri-biotech. The number of transgenic crop varieties and acreage planted to these crops are increasing yearly. EU countries such as Spain also promote transgenic corn and potatoes to reduce the use of pesticide and increase food production. James likewise stated that transgenic crops such as potatoes resistant to late blight and golden rice would gain more global attention.

The two sides also exchanged views on areas of common interests such as G20 meeting and biosafety. The meeting was also attended by Prof. Wang Ren, Vice President of CAAS, Prof. Lin Min, Director-General of Biotechnology Research Institute of CAAS and Prof. Huang Dafang, Director of China Biotechnology Information Center.

See the news at http://www.moa.gov.cn/zwllm/zwdt/201202/t20120210_2479195.htm