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Biotechnology Priorities for South Africa

AfricaBio was created to address a strong misinformation campaign in the South African media on modern biotechnology. The organization aims to provide accurate information, promote informed debate, and encourage the safe and responsible use of biotechnology. This text discusses the importance of biotechnology in South Africa, global GM crop trends, and the implementation framework for biotechnology in the country.

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Biotechnology Priorities for South Africa

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  1. Biotechnology Priorities for South Africa Prof. Diran Makinde AfricaBio Cape Town- 14/15 April 2003

  2. Why was AfricaBio created? • Provide biotechnology stakeholders with a platform for biotechnology in SA and Africa • To address a strong misinformation campaign in SA media on modern biotechnology • Our experience had shown that there was relevance for biotechnology in Africa • A moratorium would prevent South Africa accessing and testing relevant technologies

  3. AfricaBio’s role • Make available accurate information. • Encourage informed debate. • Promote safe, ethical and responsible use of biotechnology. • Interact with government and civil society. • Interact with international bodies. • Provide education and training. • Stimulate new biotechnology development

  4. GM Crops World-wide • Over 30 GM Crops. • Including the following: maize, soya beans, tomatoes, canola, potatoes, peppers, cabbage,cucumber, squash, cotton, grapes, carrots and chicory.

  5. Global Area of Transgenic Crops, 1996 to 2002: Industrial and Developing Countries (million hectares) 58.7 52.6 42.7 39.1 16 13.5 Source: Clive James, 2002

  6. A compelling case for GM crops • Increase crop productivity and contribute to global food, feed and fiber security • Conserving biodiversity, through the use of GM crops as a land saving technology • More efficient use of external inputs and a more sustainable environment • Increasing stability of crop production to lessen suffering during famines due to drought, unfavorable weather patterns, pest infestations and disease epidemics • Economic and social benefits and alleviation of poverty

  7. Plant Biotechnology in South Africa(New audit to be done 2003) • R&D for over 20 years. • Plant trials for 12 years (using existing policy). • GMO Act implemented in 1999. • National Biotechnology Strategy 2001 • 5 commercial approvals by end 2002. • About 110 plant biotech groups (academic and research). • Over 160 plant biotech projects. • About 45 companies using biotechnology in food, feed and fibre. • Public not informed

  8. National Biotechnology Strategy (Guides priorities) To inform government and other role players about the steps that need to be taken for biotechnology to have a positive socio-economic impact in South Africa.

  9. Implementation Framework(Overcoming barriers): DST • Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centers (BRICs) • BioPad • EcoBio • Cape Biotech Initiatives (CBI) • National Bioinformatics Facility • NACI Biotechnology Advisory Committee • NACI Bioethics Committee • Special Biotechnology Studies/Investigations • Legislative & Regulatory actions • Public Understanding of Biotechnology - FEST • Biological Resource Organisations Network (Biodiversity)

  10. BRICs Biotechnology Programmes

  11. National Biotechnology Roadmaps 5-10 year “strategic commitments Research strategy for building technology platforms in the following areas: • Human Health • Plant Improvement and Development of Novel Products in Plants • Animal Health and Animal Production  • Biotechnology in Industrial Processes, Mining and Environmental Applications • New biotechnology platform/clusters • Human resource development strategy • Infrastructure investment strategy • Inform other structures (e.g. BRICS, new agricultural priorities)

  12. South African GM crop acreage 2003

  13. Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 Number of Applications 59 79 173 232 Field Trials 54 45 62 49 Greenhouse Trials - 1 2 - Export - 3 22 42 Import - 63 67 98 Commodity Clearance - 6 6 4 General Release - 1 3 1 Commercial planting - - 9 11 GMO Permits applied for and issued from 1999-2002

  14. Control Measures on GMO’s • GMO Act • National Environmental Management Act • Biodiversity Bill (draft) • National Biotechnology Strategy • Regulations on Labeling (draft) • Convention for Biological Diversity • Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity (2003) • International treaty on plant Genetic Resources (FAO)

  15. Executive Council(Harmonization at national level) • Dept of Agriculture • Dept of Health • Dept of Environment Affairs and Tourism • Dept of Science and Technology • Dept of Trade and Industry • Dept of Labor • Dept of Agriculture: Registrar’s Office

  16. Safety checks(Communicate the safety checks)

  17. Conclusion • Harmonization in government department and structures in the face of the technology • Build on existing structures • Address funding problems

  18. ThankYou

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