Author : Padolina, William G.

Summary : Agricultural biotechnology can be used as a tool to enhance productivity thus enhancing farmer competitiveness. The role of international agricultural research organizations (IAROs) in this regard is envisioned as follows: 1) the IAROs must provide information and various technologies, including biotechnologies, to farmrs to solve a particular problem; 2) IAROs should provide opportunities to improve national capacity in science, technology management and policy studies such as managing intellectual property, biosafety, biorespecting and reated issues. 3) IAROs are in the best position to support and/or manage networks or partnerships on various topics such as training on technical aspects, harmonization of policies and guidelines affecting the conduct of biotechnology; 4) collections of about 600,000 accessions of crops, forage and agroforestry species are now held by CGIAR centers in trust for the benefit of the international community. These continue to be a source of materials for varietal improvement of national programs. Long-term continuing support for genetic resources conservation must be assured; 5) results or research studies undertaken by IAROs must be shared with the NARS to encourage institution of proper interventions.