Enabling Regulatory Frameworks for Responsible Biotechnology

In many developing countries, economic growth and sustainability depend on the strong performance of the agriculture sector.  The tools of biotechnology, when applied to the science of plant breeding, have created a number of “first generation”, novel crop varieties which are delivering increased value, globally, to large and small holder farmers alike. Yet, the technology remains controversial, with many developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, slow to join the ranks of “adopters.”  This hesitancy is often traced to the lack of rational and predictable biosafety frameworks and implementation capacity, which have become necessary components of the product development cycle for “biotech” crops.  The IFPRI-managed/USAID funded Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) has nearly 10 years of experience working with developing country policymakers in Africa and Asia to provide the needed experience, advice and knowledge critical to informed decision making.  PBS delivers assistance to those countries which have expressed an interest in accessing GM varieties through an integrated approach which combines evidenced based, practical regulatory advice, de novo policy research and comprehensive stakeholder outreach methodologies.  The presentation will review the body of work, experience, and lessons learned by PBS in the regulatory arena and the role of regulatory policy in enabling the adoption of novel GM crops varieties.