Post on 05-Jan-2016
Biotechnology Priorities for South Africa
Prof. Diran MakindeAfricaBio
Cape Town- 14/15 April 2003
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
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
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.
Global Area of Transgenic Crops, 1996 to 2002: Global Area of Transgenic Crops, 1996 to 2002: Industrial and Developing Countries Industrial and Developing Countries
(million hectares)(million hectares)
Source: Clive James, 2002Source: Clive James, 2002
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Total
Industrial
Developing
58.752.6
42.7
39.1
1613.5
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
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
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.
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)
BRICs Biotechnology Programmes
Focus Areas
Human Health
Plant improvement
Animal Production
Human Resources, Infrastructure Needs and Funding Requirements
Mining and Environment
Industrial
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)
South African GM crop acreage 2003
Crop Hectares Percentage of total crop
White maize 58, 000 2.8%
Yellow maize 176, 000 20%
Soya 12, 000 11%
Cotton 24, 000 80%
GMO Permits applied for and issued from 1999-2002
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
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)
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
Safety checks(Communicate the safety checks)
Biosafety considerations for commercial release (Case-by-case assessment)
Consumers - includes human safety
Environment
Toxicity Pathogenicity Allergenicity Digestibility Nutrition Unexpected products Stability Other
Effect on: Living organisms Air, soil, water Sustainable agriculture Biodiversity Stability Other
Non-safety commercialisation considerations: Socio-economics Trade Labour Public acceptance
Conclusion
• Harmonization in government department and structures in the face of the technology
• Build on existing structures • Address funding problems
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