Forum Conf 1 (biotech and crop sector)

I agree with the sentiment expressed by Lorna Salzman [9 May] about presenting adequately the "dissenting" views which detract from the overly enthusiastic and insufficiently critical endorsement of genetic engineering by so many scientists, who should be the guardians of objectivity. Sure, gene technology is bright with promise, but also fraught with unknown but possibly very significant risks into the indefinite future. FAO as a publicly funded agency with global responsibilities is obliged to maintain a balanced perspective and not present the issues discussed in the forum in a preconceived construct. As a mainstream institution, it is obliged to remain objective and steer a course which does not overcommit to any one "paradigm."

Genetic engineering, specifically GMOs, the mixing of germplasm across biota's kingdoms raises the specter of an "Apprentice in the Sorcerer's Kitchen" nightmare of unintended and unpredictable consequences over the very long-term. Gene technology must be very prudently and deliberately pursued according to precautionary principles, principles themselves which remain to be properly formed. Millions of years of co-evolution are being circumvented. "Genetic engineering is like piloting a jet plane with a blindfold on." (Colbern et al. 1996). With GMOs, potential harmful effects are not just more difficult to predict but even more difficult to trace to their origins than is the case with radioactivity, hormone disrupting chemicals, or diseases like Mad Cow Disease. Released GMOs cannot be recalled. Of one thing we can be sure: there will a continuous series of "surprises" which will underline the need for precaution.

The genie is out of the bottle. What now Alladin? The stakes are high, regulations meager, and public understanding of the issues practically non-existent. Fora such as these help. Let's keep them open to reasonable debate and dissension. We will all benefit.

Walter I. Knausenberger, Ph.D. Senior Regional Environmental Advisor
USAID/REDSO/ESA
P.O. Box 30261
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel. (+254-2) 86 24 00/02, ext. 2267. Fax: (+254-2) 86 09 49
E-mail: wknausenberger@usaid.gov

[To contribute to this conference, send your message to biotech-room1@mailserv.fao.org For further information on the Electronic Forum on Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture see http://www.fao.org/biotech/forum.asp ]

-----Original Message-----
From: Biotech-Mod1
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2000 11:53 AM
To: 'biotech-room1@mailserv.fao.org'
Subject: Biotech and developing countries food security in world context

From Nikos Alexandratos,
Former Chief (retired), Global Perspective Studies Unit (ESDG), FAO, Rome
Nikos.Alexandratos@fao.org

I find the theme of this Email Conference very interesting but rather restricted, as it is limited to the pros and cons of biotechnology applications to food production in the developing countries. Perhaps a broadening of the theme to "biotechnology and the welfare (or food security) of the developing countries" would provide more opportunities for exploring the matter at hand.

The developing countries (excluding the net cereal exporters Argentina, Thailand and Vietnam) are currently net importers of about 130 million tons (mt) of cereals, up from 50 million tons in the mid-70s. Projections show that their import requirements will increase in the future, perhaps to 230 mt in 2015 and to 310 mt in 2030 (FAO-ESDG, Agriculture: Towards 2015/30, Interim Technical Report, April 2000). These imports are largely supplied by the main industrial exporters (North America, W. Europe, Australia) which have net exports of about 140 million tons and may be required to increase them to 220 mt in 2015 and 280 mt in 2030. Clearly the welfare and food security of the developing countries will continue to be affected in rather significant ways by the capability of the main exporters to continue, as in the past, to be ever-growing producers of exportable surpluses (sometimes also generating surpluses for food aid) at prices affordable by the low-income importing countries and by the low-income population groups within them, Do these exporters have the potential to increase their production to meet such requirements ? What is the role of modern biotech applications to their agriculture in ensuring that this potential will be developed compared with other options, particularly in the light of growing environmental concerns in these countries concerning adverse impacts of ever more intensive farming?

Any reactions to these ideas would be most welcome.

[Thanks to Niko Alexandratos fo these comments and statistics. As you all will be aware, the Forum hosts a series of e-mail conferences. The first 4 conferences relate to the appropriateness of recently-developed biotechnologies for food production and agriculture in developing countries in the crop, forestry, animal and fish sectors respectively. It has not been decided what the theme of the next conferences will be, but areas such as those mentioned above could be included. Before making the decision, Forum members will be asked for their input as to which subjects they think require consideration and debate most urgently....Moderator]

-----Original Message-----
From: Biotech-Mod1
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2000 5:23 PM
To: 'biotech-room1@mailserv.fao.org'
Subject: Re: Biotech and developing countries food security in world context

It has been fairly well acknowledged during the course of this conference (particularly during the first six weeks) that GM-foods will not dramatically increase food production, if at all. It, at least, has been acknowledged by most that no proof has been offered to substantiate such claims or hopes. It is hoped, but not proven, that GM-foods and biotech in general will help maintain the gains realized from the use of chemically-driven agricultural methods.

Jeffrey Reel, USA
jeffreyreel@aol.com

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