Documents

Here is a selection of documents available on the web and published by FAO in recent years concerning biotechnology in food and agriculture. Note that the News section contains further information, including e-mail contacts, regarding recent documents (February 2002 onwards) from FAO and its main UN and non-UN partners. For a full overview of FAO publications, see the FAO Document Repository. Last update of this page - December 2007.

2007:

Coping with water scarcity in developing countries: What role for agricultural biotechnologies? Summary Document of an FAO e-mail conference that took place from 5 March and 1 April 2007.

Biotechnology tools for conservation and use of plants: A school play for senior students. Book published by FAO's Plant Production and Protection Division with the story line, script and graphic design by R. Speedy and character illustration by I. Steele and R. Speedy.

Biosafety within a biosecurity framework: Contributing to sustainable agriculture and food production. Report of an expert consultation that took place from 28 February to 3 March 2006 in FAO Headquarters, Rome.

7th Session of the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology. Report (ALINORM 08/31/34), plus links to the agenda and working documents of the meeting held on 24-28 September 2007 in Chiba, Japan.

FAO Biotechnology Glossary - Vietnamese translation. Published in arrangement with FAO by the Center for Information and Technological Transfer of Biology (CITB), in Vietnam.

Review of the efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum against the Desert Locust. Publication 34 in FAO's Desert Locust Technical Series, by H. van der Valk about using the fungus Metarhizium as a biopesticide.

The use of reproductive and molecular biotechnology in animal genetic resources management - a global overview. Paper in FAO's Animal Genetic Resources Information bulletin nr. 40 by D. Pilling, R. Cardellino, M. Zjalic, B. Rischkowsky, K.A. Tempelman and I. Hoffmann, from FAO's Animal Production and Health Division.

In the wake of the double helix: From the green revolution to the gene revolution. Proceedings, edited by R. Tuberosa, R.L. Phillips and M. Gale, of an international conference, co-sponsored by FAO, that took place on 27-31 May 2003 in Bologna, Italy.

Report of the Biosafety Panel to the CGIAR Science Council on Biosafety Policy and Practices of the CGIAR Centers. A strategic study of biosafety across the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) system commissioned by the CGIAR Science Council.

Marker-assisted selection: Current status and future perspectives in crops, livestock, forestry and fish. A 22-chapter book published by the FAO Working Group on Biotechnology, edited by E.P. Guimarães, J. Ruane, B.D. Scherf, A. Sonnino and J.D. Dargie. In conjunction with its publication, the FAO Newsroom released a web interview with Shivaji Pandey, Chair of the Working Group.

Genomics and genetic resources for food and agriculture. By R. Fears, published by the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture as document 34 in its Background Study Paper series.

A typology of the effects of (trans)gene flow on the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources. By J.A. Heinemann, published by the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture as document 35 in its Background Study Paper series.

Safety assessment of foods derived from recombinant-DNA animals. Report of an expert consultation convened by FAO and the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, from 26 February to 2 March 2007.

FAO Biotechnology Glossary - Serbian translation. Published by arrangement with FAO by Partenon, Belgrade and translated by M. Plavsic, T. Cobic and S. Stojanovic, with Z. Stojanovic as the technical secretary and M. Kraljevic-Balalic as the reviewer.

The future of biopesticides in Desert Locust management. Report (in English and French) of an international workshop organised by FAO in Saly, Senegal, with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the International Organization of the Francophonie and the World Bank.

Genetically modified organisms in crop production and their effects on the environment: Methodologies for monitoring and the way ahead. Proceedings of an expert consultation hosted by FAO on 18-20 January 2005 in Rome, consisting of the report plus a selection of papers presented by invited speakers.

Biotechnology in crop production and the Biosafety Protocol - Implications for cereal trade. Paper prepared for the Joint Meeting of the Intergovernmental Group on Grains (31st Session) and the Intergovernmental Group on Rice (42nd Session), held in Istanbul, Turkey on 14-17 May 2007. Document CCP:GR-RI 07/3, available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish.

Progress on the Draft Code of Conduct on Biotechnology as it relates to genetic resources for food and agriculture: policy issues, gaps and duplications. A Working Document prepared for the 11th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture held on 11-15 June 2007 at FAO Headquarters, Rome. Document CGRFA-11/07/13, available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish.

Guiding principles for the development of CGIAR Centres' policies to address the possibility of unintentional presence of transgenes in ex situ collections. Working Document CGRFA-11/07/14 Rev.1 prepared for the 11th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture held on 11-15 June 2007 at FAO Headquarters, Rome.

The SPS Agreement and biosafety. A paper by M. Spreij, published as part of the FAO Legal Papers Online series, that was presented at a regional training workshop on drafting secondary biosafety regulations held on 10-13 October 2006 in Hanoi, Vietnam, organised by UNEP and funded by GEF.

Assessing and designing strategies to strengthen national plant breeding and biotechnology capacity in the Caucasus. The report of a regional workshop organised by FAO in collaboration with CIMMYT and ICARDA on 21-22 February 2007 in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Results from the FAO Biotechnology Forum: Background and dialogue on selected issues. Book by J. Ruane and A. Sonnino, published as FAO Research and Technology Paper 11, providing the background and summary documents from six moderated e-mail conferences hosted by the FAO Biotechnology Forum in 2002-2005.

Coping with water scarcity in developing countries: What role for agricultural biotechnologies? Background Document to Conference 14 of the FAO Biotechnology Forum (5 March to 1 April 2007).

Safety assessment of foods derived from modern biotechnology - Biosafety within a Biosecurity framework. Report of a training-of-trainers workshop, held on 31 October and 1 November 2006, in Ottawa, Canada, organized by FAO in collaboration with the Government of Canada.

The state of development of biotechnologies as they relate to the management of animal genetic resources and their potential application in developing countries. Written by K. Boa-Amponsem and G. Minozzi and published by the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture as part of its Background Study Paper series.

6th Session of the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology. Report (in English, French and Spanish, number ALINORM 07/30/34), plus links to the agenda and working documents of the meeting held from 27 November to 1 December 2006 in Chiba, Japan.

2006:

Results of the FAO Biotechnology PAIA stakeholder survey. A summary of results from an evaluation of one of FAO's priority areas for interdisciplinary action (PAIAs) that took place at the end of 2005, where stakeholders were invited to fill out a questionnaire soliciting their views on the Biotechnology PAIA activities.

Status and risk assessment of the use of transgenic arthropods in plant protection. Proceedings of a meeting held on 8-12 April 2002 at FAO Headquarters, Rome, organised by the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention.

The role of biotechnology in exploring and protecting agricultural genetic resources. A book from the FAO Working Group on Biotechnology, edited by J. Ruane and A. Sonnino, on the use of biotechnology tools for the characterization and conservation of crop, forest, animal and fishery genetic resources

REDBIO Argentina 2005. A special issue (June 2006) of the Electronic Journal of Biotechnology providing the complete versions of a significant number of papers presented during the VI Symposium of REDBIO Argentina 2005, held on 7-11 June 2005 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Agricultural Biotechnology for Developing Countries - Results of an Electronic Forum. Chinese translation of FAO Research and Technology Paper 8

National plant breeding and biotechnology surveys. As part of a global survey that FAO is carrying out to assess plant breeding and related biotechnology capacity, draft national reports have been prepared for countries in Africa (Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe), Asia (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan), Europe (Bulgaria, Macedonia, Moldova, Slovak Republic, Turkey) and Latin America (Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua), while other national reports are also being prepared. Reports available by country in the "What's new" section of the webpage.

The status of agricultural biotechnology and biosafety in Ukraine. A report commissioned by FAO's Research and Technology Development Service and the Regional Office for Europe.

Assessing and designing strategies to strengthen national plant breeding and related biotechnology capacity in Central Asia. Report of a regional workshop organised by FAO in collaboration with CIMMYT and ICARDA on 11-12 April 2006 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Arabic translation of the FAO Biotechnology Glossary. Translated in a co-publishing partnership with the United Arab Emirates University.

Guidelines and recommendations for improving artificial breeding of cattle and buffalo in Asia (1.94 MB). A manual produced with technical support from the Animal Production and Health Section of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture

African Seeds and Biotechnology Programme. Document presented at the 24th FAO Regional Conference for Africa held from 30 January to 3 February 2006 in Bamako, Mali. Document ARC/06/4, available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish.

Policy and regulation of biotechnology in food production. An information document presented at the 24th FAO Regional Conference for Africa that took place from 30 January to 3 February 2006 in Bamako, Mali. Document ARC/06/INF/5, available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish.

Biotechnology potential in support of rural development: Pros and cons. An information document presented at the 28th FAO Regional Conference for the Near East that took place from 12-16 March 2006 in Sana'a, Republic of Yemen. Document NERC/06/INF/8, available in Arabic, English and French.

2005:

5th Session of the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology. Report (in English, French and Spanish, number ALINORM 06/29/34), plus links to the agenda and working documents of the meeting held on 19-23 September 2005 in Chiba, Japan.

ECOWAS ministerial conference on biotechnology. FAO statement delivered by Oloche A. Edache, the FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, at the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) Ministerial Conference on Biotechnology held on 21-24 June 2005 in Bamako, Mali.

From the Green Revolution to the Gene Revolution: How will the poor fare?. Paper by P. Pingali and T. Raney, published as part of the ESA Working Papers series.

Poplars in biotechnology research. Article by H. Marchadier and P. Sigaud, available in English, French and Spanish, adapted from a presentation to the 22nd session of the International Poplar Commission held in Santiago, Chile from 28 November to 2 December 2004.

Consideration of draft guiding principles for the Future Harvest Centres to address the possibility of unintended presence of transgenes in ex situ collections. A working document prepared for the 3rd Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture that took place on 26-28 October 2005 at FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy. Document CGRFA/WG-PGR-3/05/6, available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish.

FAO contribution to strengthening plant biotechnology in developing countries. Paper by M. Solh and K. Ghosh presented at the international dialogue on "Agricultural and rural development in the 21st century: Lessons from the past and policies for the future" held on 9-10 September 2005 in Beijing, China, jointly organised by FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture of China.

Population improvement: A way of exploiting the rice genetic resources of Latin America. A 17-chapter book, edited by E.P. Guimarães, covering topics such as marker assisted selection.

The way forward to strengthen national plant breeding and biotechnology capacity. Report of a workshop held at FAO Headquarters, Rome, on 9-11 February 2005, organised by FAO's Crop and Grassland Service.

Genetically modified organisms in crop production and their effects on the environment: Methodologies for monitoring and the way ahead. Report of an Expert Consultation held at FAO Headquarters, Rome, on 18-20 January 2005, jointly organised by FAO's Plant Production and Protection Division and the FAO Working Groups on Biodiversity and Biotechnology.

Annotated bibliography on the economic and socio-economic impact of agricultural biotechnology in developing countries. Published by FAO's Research and Technology Development Service.

Risk communication manual. A training manual from the FAO Regional project on Capacity Building in Biosafety of GM Crops in Asia (Asian BioNet), funded by the government of Japan and based at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand.

Preliminary review of biotechnology in forestry, including genetic modification. Forest Genetic Resources Working Paper 59, providing a summary of four studies commissioned by FAO between 2002 and 2004 to investigate the worldwide extent and patterns of biotechnology research and application in forest trees.

The role of biotechnology for the characterisation and conservation of crop, forest, animal and fishery genetic resources in developing countries. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 6 June to 3 July 2005) and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

Status of research and application of crop biotechnologies in developing countries: Preliminary assessment. A report by Z. Dhlamini, C. Spillane, J.P. Moss, J. Ruane, N. Urquia and A. Sonnino which provides a first analysis of about 2,000 crop-sector entries from 71 developing countries contained in the FAO-BioDeC database as of 31 August 2004.

National case studies. A series of case studies on the management of appropriate agricultural biotechnology for small producers in individual countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) published by REDBIO, the Technical Co-operation Network on Plant Biotechnology in Latin America and the Caribbean, based at the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean in Santiago, Chile.

The role of biotechnology for the characterisation and conservation of crop, forestry, animal and fishery genetic resources. Proceedings of an international workshop held on 5-7 March 2005 in Turin, Italy, organised by the FAO Working Group on Biotechnology, the Fondazione per le Biotecnologie, the ECONOGENE project and the Società Italiana di Genetica Agraria. The 20 papers and 37 poster abstracts cover applications of molecular markers, cryopreservation and reproductive technologies.

Benchmark document on the needs and present status of the capacity building in biosafety of GM crops in Asia. A document by A. Varma for the FAO Regional project on Capacity Building in Biosafety of GM Crops in Asia (Asian BioNet).

Mutant germplasm characterization using molecular markers: A manual. A training manual on selected molecular marker techniques, prepared by the Plant Breeding and Genetic Section of the joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture using material from the 1st FAO/IAEA Interregional Training Course on "Mutant germplasm characterisation using molecular markers" held in Seibersdorf, Austria on 1-25 October 2001.

Banana improvement: Cellular, molecular biology, and induced mutations. A joint publication of FAO/IAEA and the International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP), edited by S.M. Jain and R. Swennen, with 30 chapters organised in 5 major sections: a) cell and tissue culture, and mutation induction b) pests and diseases c) molecular cytogenetics d) genomics and e) genetic transformation and others.

Public participation in decision-making regarding GMOs in developing countries: How to effectively involve rural people. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 17 January to 13 February 2005) and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

2004:

Evaluación de la capacidad, infraestructura y logística de manejo post-cosecha de organismos vivos modificados e identificación de estrategias para aplicar el artículo 18, 2.a) del Protocolo de Cartagena sobre Seguridad de la Biotecnología. Report (1.1 MB, in Spanish) of a study carried out by FAO, following a request for technical assistance from the Government of Argentina, to quantify the investments and costs involved in segregating the chains of production, transportation and embarking for GM and non-GM soya bean and maize in conformity with Article 18.2.a) of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

Agricultural biotechnology and biosafety for food security and rural development in the Caucasus region and Moldova. Proceedings (1 MB) of a workshop organised jointly by FAO and the UNESCO Chair, Life Sciences International Educational Center, Yerevan on 3-6 November 2003 in Yerevan, Armenia.

Progress on the Draft Code of Conduct on Biotechnology as it relates to genetic resources for food and agriculture: policy issues, gaps and duplications. Document CGRFA-10/04/13, available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish. A Working Document prepared for the 10th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture that took place on 8-12 November 2004 at FAO Headquarters, Rome.

Glosario de biotecnología para la agricultura y la alimentación. The Spanish translation of the FAO biotechnology glossary, published as FAO Research and Technology Paper 9.

Are genetically modified trees a threat to forests?. An article by M.H. El-Lakany, Assistant Director-General, Forestry Department, FAO. Unasylva 217, Vol. 55, 45-47. In English, French and Spanish.

Safety assessment of foods derived from modern biotechnology for the States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Report of a workshop organised on 14-15 September 2004 at FAO Headquarters, Rome by FAO's Food Quality and Standards Service and the Municipal Department, Human and Environment Affairs of the GCC.

Glossaire de la biotechnologie pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture. The French translation of the FAO biotechnology glossary, published as FAO Research and Technology Paper 9.

National agricultural biotechnology research capacity in developing countries. A document by J. Cohen, J. Komen and J. Falck Zepeda published as paper 04-14 in FAO's ESA Working Papers series.

Agricultural biotechnology: meeting the needs of the poor? A 9-chapter document published as part of FAO's annual report "The State of Food and Agriculture 2003-04".

Biotechnology applications in food processing: Can developing countries benefit?. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 14 June to 15 July 2004) and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

Directing biotechnology towards the needs of the poor and sustainable agriculture. Presentation by He Changchui, the FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, at CAB International's 15th Review Conference in Beijing, China, on 21-23 April 2004.

Public attitudes towards agricultural biotechnology. A document by T.J. Hoban published as paper 04-09 in FAO's ESA Working Papers series.

The economic impacts of biotechnology-based technological innovations. A document by G. Traxler published as paper 04-08 in FAO's ESA Working Papers series.

Applications of molecular biology and genomics to genetic enhancement of crop tolerance to abiotic stress - A discussion document. A document by M. Gale, for the Secretariat of the Science Council of the CGIAR.

Law and modern biotechnology: Selected issues of relevance to food and agriculture. A study by L. Glowka published as part of FAO's Legislative Study series.

Environmental effects of genetically modified crops. Report of an Expert Consultation organised at FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy, on 16-18 June 2003 by FAO's Plant Production and Protection Division. In English, with a summary in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish.

Low cost options for tissue culture technology in developing countries. Publication from the joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, based on contributions made at a meeting held on 26-30 August 2002 in Vienna, Austria.

Private research and public goods: Implications of biotechnology for biodiversity. A document by T. Raney and P. Pingali published as paper 04-07 in FAO's ESA Working Papers series.

Measurement of domestic animal diversity - a review of recent diversity studies. An information document provided for the 3rd Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture held on 31 March to 2 April 2004 in FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy.

Detection of protein and/or DNA in foods derived from modern biotechnology. Report of a workshop held by FAO and WHO, with support from ILSI, on 5 March 2004 in Budapest, Hungary.

Potentials and limitations of biotechnology in rice. A paper by R. Coffman, S.R. McCouch and R.W. Herdt presented at the Rice Conference convened by FAO on 12-13 February 2004 in Rome, Italy.

Issues concerning public awareness and attitudes towards genetically modified bananas and tropical fruits (in English and Spanish (short version)). A paper by C. Marris, commissioned by FAO for the 3rd Session of the Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and Tropical Fruits held on 22-26 March 2004 in Puerto de la Cruz, Spain.

The application of biotechnology to wheat improvement. A chapter by D. Hoisington, N. Bohorova, S. Fennell, M. Khairallah, A. Pellegrineschi and J.M. Ribaut in the book "Bread wheat: Improvement and production", published as part of the FAO Plant Production and Protection Series and edited by B.C. Curtis, S. Rajaram and H. Gómez Macpherson.

2003:

Safety assessment of foods from genetically modified animals including fish. A series of six working papers, as well as the final report, from a FAO/WHO Expert Consultation held on 17-21 November 2003 in Rome, Italy.

Molecular marker assisted selection as a potential tool for genetic improvement of crops, forest trees, livestock and fish in developing countries. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 17 November to 14 December 2003 and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

Biotecnología agrícola para países en desarrollo - Resultados de un foro electrónico. Spanish translation of FAO Research and Technology Paper 8.

Genetically modified organisms and aquaculture. A 35-page document by J.A. Beardmore and J.S. Porte published as part of the FAO Fisheries Circular series.

Marker assisted selection: A fast track to increase genetic gain in plant and animal breeding?. Proceedings of an international workshop organised by the Fondazione per le Biotecnologie, the University of Turin and FAO on 17-18 October 2003 in Turin, Italy.

Applications of gene-based technologies for improving animal production and health in developing countries. A book of extended synopses as well as powerpoint presentations from an international symposium organized by IAEA and FAO on 6-10 October 2003 in Vienna, Austria.

Biotechnology research papers. As part of the ESA Working Papers series, FAO published "The economics of agricultural biotechnology research" (Paper 03-07) and "Biotechnology R&D: Policy options to ensure access and benefits for the poor" (Paper 03-08), both by C.E. Pray and A. Naseem.

The role and implications of biotechnology in forestry (in English, French and Spanish). Article by A. Yanchuk in number 30 of FAO's annual bulletin Forest Genetic Resources.

Report of the 26th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (report ALINORM 03/41, in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish). At the meeting, held from 30 June to 7 July 2003 in Rome, Italy, a landmark agreement was adopted on how to assess the risks to consumers from foods derived from biotechnology, including genetically modified foods.

Status of agricultural biotechnology and biosafety in selected countries of the Balkans, the Caucasus and Moldova (548 KB). A report about agricultural biotechnology and biosafety issues in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now Serbia and Montenegro), the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Georgia and Moldova.

Regulating GMOs in developing and transition countries. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 28 April to 1 June 2003) and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

Manejo y gestión de la biotecnología agrícola apropiada para pequeños productores: estudio de caso Ecuador. A study (in Spanish) by J. Wendt and J. Izquierdo on appropriate crop biotechnology for smallholders in Ecuador.

Recent technological innovations in aquaculture. Chapter by R.P. Subasinghe, D. Curry, S.E. McGladdery and D. Bartley in FAO's "Review of the state of world aquaculture".

4th Session of the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology. Report (in English, French and Spanish, report ALINORM 03/34A), plus the agenda and working documents of the meeting held on 11-14 March 2003 in Yokohama, Japan.

A new social contract on biotechnology. An article (in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish) adapted from an address by Louise Fresco, Assistant Director-General, FAO Agriculture Department, on "Which road do we take?: Harnessing genetic resources and making use of life sciences, a new contract for sustainable agriculture" at the conference "Towards sustainable agriculture for developing countries: Options from life sciences and biotechnology" organized by the European Commission on 30-31 January 2003 in Brussels, Belgium.

Report of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Biotechnology to the 17th Session of FAO's Committee on Agriculture (document COAG/2003/INF/4 - in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish).

2002:

The role of law in realising the potential and avoiding the risks of modern biotechnology: Selected issues of relevance to food and agriculture (154 pages, 1.6 MB). Draft study prepared by L. Glowka at the request of FAO following the first session of the FAO Panel of Eminent Experts in Food and Agriculture.

What should be the role and focus of biotechnology in the agricultural research agendas of developing countries?. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 13 November to 11 December 2002 and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

Report of the 9th Regular Session of FAO's Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. (Document 9/02/report - in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish). Held on 14-18 October 2002 at FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy.

Public agricultural research: the impact of intellectual property rights on biotechnology in developing countries. Report of an expert consultation meeting, held on 24-27 June 2002 in Rome, Italy and organised by FAO in co-operation with the University of Tor Vergata.

Potential impacts of Genetic Use Restriction Technologies (GURTs) on agricultural biodiversity and agricultural production systems: Technical study. (Document 9/02/17/Annex - in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish). Presented by FAO at the 9th Regular Session of FAO's Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA), held on 14-18 October 2002 at FAO Headquarters, Rome. Related, see a description of the background to the document (Document 9/02/17 - in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish) as well as a study (628 KB) by B. Visser, D. Eaton, N. Louwaars, I. van der Meer, J. Beekwilder and F. van Tongeren carried out at the request of FAO that was used in preparing the document.

The status of the draft Code of Conduct on Biotechnology as it relates to genetic resources for food and agriculture: report on surveys of FAO Members and stakeholders. (Document 9/02/18, available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish). At the 9th Regular Session of the CGRFA, held on 14-18 October 2002 at FAO Headquarters, Rome, the Commission considered this report. Related, see Recent developments related to biotechnology that are relevant to the analysis of the survey on the Code of Conduct (390 KB) by M. Broggio, Background Study Paper 17 prepared for the CGRFA.

Gene flow from GM to non-GM populations in the crop, forestry, animal and fishery sectors. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 31 May to 5 July 2002) and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

FAO and agricultural biotechnology. Article by J. Ruane from FAO's Working Group on Biotechnology in the September 2002 edition of the Information Systems for Biotechnology (ISB) News Report.

Intellectual property rights in plant varieties: An overview with options for national governments (PDF, 62 pages). Article by L.R. Helfer in the FAO Legal Papers Online series (July 2002).

Antibiotic growth-promoters in food animals (52 KB). Article by P. Hughes and J. Heritage published (June 2002) in AGRIPPA, an FAO web-based journal.

Biotechnology for rice breeding: Progress and potential impact. Paper by G.S. Khush and D.S. Brar commissioned by FAO for presentation at the 20th Session of the International Rice Commission, held in Bangkok, Thailand, 23-25 July 2002.

Nutritional contribution of rice: Impact of biotechnology and biodiversity in rice-consuming countries. Paper by G. Kennedy, B. Burlingame and V. N. Nguyen commissioned by FAO for presentation at the 20th Session of the International Rice Commission, held in Bangkok, Thailand, 23-25 July 2002.

Glossary of Biotechnology for Food and Agriculture. FAO Research and Technology Paper 9.

Agricultural Biotechnology for Developing Countries - Results of an Electronic Forum. FAO Research and Technology Paper 8.

3rd Session of the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology. The report (in English, French and Spanish) and agenda (and working documents) of the meeting held on 4-8 March 2002 in Yokohama, Japan are available (documents code - Alinorm 03/34).

Biotechnology for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in the Near East Region (document nerc/02/inf/8 - in English and Arabic). Document prepared for the 26th FAO Regional Conference for the Near East, held on 9-13 March 2002 in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.

Review of the status of aquaculture genetics. Article by R. Dunham et al. in the technical proceedings (2001) of the Conference on Aquaculture in the Third Millennium, held on 20-25 February 2000 in Bangkok, Thailand and organised by FAO and the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific.

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish). Approved by the FAO Conference on 3 November 2001.

Biotechnology, GMOs, ethics and food production. Paper presented by James Dargie, Chairman of FAO's Working Group on Biotechnology, at the European Media Seminar on Global Food Security, Stockholm, 14-16 October 2001.

Genetically modified organisms in food and agriculture: Where are we? Where are we going?. Keynote address given by Louise Fresco, Assistant-Director General, FAO Agriculture Department to the conference on "Crop and Forest Biotechnology for the Future", Falkenberg, Sweden, 16-18 September 2001.

2001:

Biotechnology and banana production. 2001. Report prepared for the 2nd session of the Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and on Tropical Fruits (part of FAO's Committee on Commodity Problems), San Jose, Costa Rica, 4-8 December, 2001.

FAO and the Biosafety Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity. 2001. Updated information note for the website of FAO's Sustainable Development Department.

Report of the 3rd Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Foods Derived from Biotechnology, on "Safety Assessment of Foods Derived from Genetically Modified Microorganisms", 24-28 September 2001, Geneva, Switzerland

Potential impacts of Genetic Use Restriction Technologies (GURTs) on Agricultural Biodiversity and Agricultural Production Systems. Working Document 7 for the First Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Rome, 2 - 4 July 2001.

Report of the FAO Inter-Departmental Working Group on Biotechnology to the FAO Committee on Agriculture, 26-30 March 2001, Rome.

Krutovskii, K.V. and D.B. Neale. 2001. Forest genomics for conserving adaptive genetic diversity. Forest Genetic Resources Working Paper FGR/3E, FAO.

Report of the 2nd session of the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology (ALINORM 01/34A, in English, French and Spanish), Chiba, Japan, 25-29 March 2001.

Genetically modified organisms, consumers, food safety and the environment. 2001. (in English, French and Spanish). FAO Ethics Series, no. 2.

Yanchuk, A.D. 2001. The role and implications of biotechnological tools in forestry. Unasylva 204, Vol. 52, 53-61.

The impact of intellectual property rights (IPR) on food and agriculture in developing countries. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 20 March to 14 May 2001) and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions).

Documents and Report of the 2nd Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Foods Derived from Biotechnology, on "Evaluation of Allergenicity of Genetically Modified Foods", 22-25 January 2001, Rome, Italy

2000:

Implications and development of biotechnology. Report for the 25th FAO regional conference for Asia and the Pacific, Yokohama, Japan, 28 August - 1 September 2000.

Genetically modified organisms and fisheries. Pages 71-77 in The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Documents and Report of the 1st Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Foods derived from Biotechnology, on "Safety aspects of genetically modified foods of plant origin", 29 May - 2 June 2000, Geneva, Switzerland.

First session of the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology, Chiba, Japan, 14-17 March 2000. Report (in English, French and Spanish) and agenda and working documents (code - Alinorm 01/34). See also the related FAO News article (March 2000).

Modern biotechnology and the management of animal genetic resources: policy issues. Document prepared for the 2nd Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources of the CGRFA, Rome, 4-6 September 2000, pp.14.

Walker, P. and R. Subasinghe. 2000. DNA-based molecular diagnostic techniques: research needs for standardization and validation of the detection of aquatic animal pathogens and diseases. The FAO Aquaculture Newsletter 24:15-19.

Can agricultural biotechnology help to reduce hunger and increase food security in developing countries?. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 1 November to 17 December 2000) and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

How appropriate are currently available biotechnologies for the fishery sector in developing countries? The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 1 August to 8 October 2000) and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

The appropriateness, significance and application of biotechnology options in the animal agriculture of developing countries. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 12 June to 25 August 2000) and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

How appropriate are currently available biotechnologies for the forestry sector in developing countries. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 25 April to 30 June 2000) and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

How appropriate are currently available biotechnologies in the crop sector for food production and agriculture in developing countries. The Background Document (prepared before this FAO e-mail conference, that ran from 20 March to 26 May 2000) and Summary Document (prepared after the conference, providing a synopsis of discussions) are available.

1999:

Haard, N.F., S.A. Odunfa, C-H. Lee, R. Quintero-Ramírez, A. Lorence-Quiñones, and C. Wacher-Radarte. 1999. Fermented cereals. A global perspective. FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin 138.

Biosafety issues related to biotechnologies for sustainable agriculture and food security. Trade Issues: FAO Fact Sheet No. 8. Prepared for the 3rd WTO Ministerial Conference, Seattle, 28 November - 3 December 1999.

Cunningham, E.P. 1999. Recent developments in biotechnology as they relate to animal genetic resources for food and agriculture. Background Study paper for the CGRFA.

Glossary of biotechnology and genetic engineering. 1999. FAO Research and Technology Paper 7.

Information note on biosafety. Document produced for the FAO Conference, Rome, 12-23 November 1999.

Bartley, D.M. 1999. International instruments for the responsible use of genetically modified organisms. FAO Aquaculture Newsletter 23: 11-16.

Spillane, C. 1999. Recent developments in biotechnology as they relate to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Background Study for the CGRFA.

Butcher, P.A., J.C. Glaubitz and G.F. Moran. 1999. Applications for microsatellite markers in the domestication and conservation of forest trees. (in English, French and Spanish). Forest Genetic Resources No. 27. FAO, Rome.

Biotechnology. Report to the FAO Committee on Agriculture, 25-29 January 1999.
See also a summary of the article.

Biotechnology developments and their potential impact on trade in cereals. Report to the 28th session of the Intergovernmental Group on Grains (part of the FAO Committee on Commodity Problems), 22-24 September 1999.

1998:

Battcock, M. and S. Azam-Ali. 1998. Fermented fruits and vegetables. Agricultural Services Bulletin 134. FAO, Rome.

Biotechnology developments and their potential impacts on the livestock and meat sectors. Report prepared for the 17th session of the Intergovernmental Group on Meat (part of the FAO Committee on Commodity Problems), Cape Town, South Africa, 12-14 November 1998.

1997:

Biotechnology developments in the oilseeds sector and possible impact on trade. (in English, French and Spanish). Report to the 28th session of the Intergovernmental Group on Oilseeds, Oils and Fats (part of the FAO Committee on Commodity Problems), Rome, 10-12 December 1997.

Report of an FAO workshop on the implications of developments in biotechnology for conservation of farm animal genetic resources - reversible DNA quiescence and somatic cloning, 26-28 November 1997, Monterotondo, Italy. pp. 33.

Drew, R.A. 1997. The application of biotechnology to the conservation and improvement of tropical and subtropical fruit species. Document prepared for the FAO Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service, November 1997.

Haines, R.J. and B.E. Martin. 1997. Biotechnology and the sustainable production of tropical timber. (in English, French and Spanish). Forest Genetic Resources No 25, FAO.

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