Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research - CGIAR
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Document No.:SDR/TAC:IAR/98/6.1 |
Mid-Term Meeting, 1998
May 25 - 29,1998
Brasília, Brazil
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Mobilizing Science for Global Food Security |
Report of the CGIAR Panel on General Issues in Biotechnology
Attached is the Report of the CGIAR Panel on General Issues in Biotechnology together with the transmittal letter from the Chairman of TAC to the Chairman of the CGIAR and TAC's commentary on the Report.
This report is issued as background to the agenda item on Biotechnology - Report of the CGIAR Panel on General Issues in Biotechnology.
The Report, which will be introduced by the Panel Chair in plenary session, will be discussed in parallel session. The Chair of the parallel session will report the outcome of the discussions to the Group for decision making.
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SDR/TAC:IAR/98/6.1
CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE CGIAR PANEL
ON GENERAL ISSUES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
TAC SECRETARIAT
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
April 1998
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Donald L. Winkelmann, Chairman
15 April 1998
Dear Mr. Serageldin,
I have the pleasure of transmitting to you the report of the CGIAR Panel on General Issues in Biotechnology. This report, together with TAC's Commentary on the Panel's findings, responds to the process that began at MTM'97, when the Group decided to create two expert panels under the auspices of TAC to assist the Group in formulating policy on biotechnology and protection for intellectual property, as well as for materials held in trust.
The Panel began its work in September 1997, engaged intensively in electronic exchange of ideas, identified key questions on which it sought views from a wide range of CGIAR stakeholders and others, and held two meetings. The report reflects the diverse opinions derived from broad consultation. As well, TAC solicited comments from a number of outside experts. The report and solicited comments were considered at TAC 74, with one panel member in attendance.
The Panel saw its primary role as assessing the current and future application of molecular genetics and other developments in biotechnology to those aspects of CGIAR work that relate to germplasm improvement.
The Panel's recommendations include a strong role for the CGIAR in genomics, i.e., developing and supplying molecular biological information, pertaining to its key crops, pests, pathogens, and livestock of importance to the poor. As a part of this, the Panel recommends that CGIAR be instrumental in a "Genome Summit", take the lead in an expanded network approach to biotechnological research, and review its in-house expertise in relation to the preceding initiatives and to its broader research mission.
./...
Mr. Ismail Serageldin
CGIAR Chair
World Bank
1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433
USA
355 E. Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501 · (1-505) 988-1284 · FAX: (1-505) 988-1285 · [email protected]
As well, the Panel recommends a policy framework on biosafety and gene deployment, a Center-based "duty of care" committee to support the effort on biosafety, and the creation of a CGIAR Biotechnology Service Unit. The "duty of care" committee, in particular, has several novel aspects, which are treated in the Report.
The Panel concludes that "there are widespread opportunities for the greater involvement of the world scientific community to assist in the application of biotechnology to the needs of developing countries. The CGIAR is in a strong position to act as a catalyst to foster these contributions, while progressively strengthening its own role as a significant user of biotechnology to further the aims of its mission."
TAC welcomes this report from the Panel and is pleased to pass it on to you and to the Group. The Committee thanks the Panel's distinguished members for their valuable contribution to our better understanding of the vital issues in a fast-moving field. I trust that the report will provide you and the Group with information and counsel needed for making the policy decisions confronting the CGIAR.
Sincerely yours,
Donald L. Winkelmann
TAC Chair
TAC COMMENTARY ON THE REPORT OF THE CGIAR PANEL ON GENERAL ISSUES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
1.1. Background
1.2. Consultation
2. BIOTECHNOLOGY AND THE CGIAR MISSION
2.1. Biotechnology, Bioethics and Biosafety
2.2. Developments and Prospects in Genetics
2.3. The Overriding Need for a Balanced Approach
2.4. Relevant Applications of Biotechnology
2.5. The Application of Molecular Genetics to Crop Improvement
3. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FUTURE
3.1. The need for New Approaches
3.2. A New CGIAR Strategy
3.2.1. The Basic Framework
3.2.2. Global Collaboration
3.2.3. International Networks for Biotechnological Research
3.2.4. Centre Roles and Capacities
3.2.5. Administrative Implications for the CGIAR
ANNEX I - TERMS OF REFERENCE, PROGRAMME OF WORK AND PANEL MEMBERSHIP
1. Terms of Reference
2. Programme of Work
3. The Panel
ANNEX II - SALIENT POINTS FROM RESPONSES TO THE PANEL'S TEN QUESTIONS
1. Introduction
2. General Impressions
3. The Ten Questions
4. List of Those Who Responded
ANNEX III - APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY RELEVANT TO THE CGIAR MISSION
1. Introduction
2. Genomics, Synteny and Bioinformatics
3. The Relevance of Genomics
4. Gene Transfer
5. Applications to Germplasm Improvement
6. Applications to Germplasm Banks
7. Applications to Agroforestry
8. Applications to Livestock Improvement
9. Applications to Aquatic Organisms
10. Additional Information
REFERENCES
ANNEX IV - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF GLOBAL STATUS OF TRANSGENIC CROPS IN 1997
ANNEX V - THE ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION'S INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON RICE BIOTECHNOLOGY
ANNEX VI - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF US NATIONAL PLANT GENOME INITIATIVE