Report of the CGIAR Panel on General Issues in Biotechnology

Report of the CGIAR Panel on General Issues in Biotechnology chaired by Richard Flavell on the use of molecular biology and other aspects of biotechnology, particularly in germplasm improvement. The document also contains an extract from the summary of proceedings of the CGIAR mid term meeting in May 1998, a transmittal from the TAC Chairman, and TAC's commentary.The Panel found these technologies to be extremely promising, and the CGIAR to be well placed to bring them directly to bear on the needs of developing countries, not by themselves, but as part of an integrated broader program.Panel recommendations included the development of a CGIAR policy framework on biotechnology and biosafety, and the creation in the IARCs of 'duty of care' committees to assess risks, consult clients, and adhere to regulatory procedures,. Also the creation of a central biological service unit to provide professional advice to centers proprietary, biosafety, and gene deployment considerations. The Committee also recommended that the CGIAR take the lead in convening a genome summit, and the establishment of biotechnology research networks.The panel was created at the request of MTM97, under the auspices of TAC. Its work was discussed at TAC 73 and 74. Panel chair Flavell presented the report at the CGIAR mid term meeting in May 1998.