Author : Zanten, Jasper E. van; Krattiger, A.F.; Hautea, Randy A.

Summary : The objective of the traveling workshop was to provide these leaders with an opportunity to meet with prominent figures from the public and private sectors of agri-biotech in industrialized countries as well as to meet face-to-face among themselves. A vigorous exchange of views ensued. Meeting with representatives from organizations embodying a broad spectrum of views - ranging from DuPoint and Novartis to Greenpeace and the Union of Concerned Scientists - the workshop's primary participants carefully considered both the purported benefits and potential risks of food biotechnology crops. Through these meetings, it was hoped that the traveling workshop participants would gain a better understanding of the current global situation of agricultural biotechnology, in particular the policy issues that have facilitated the adoption in Europe. The workshop focused on the following issues: 1) biosafety and food safety regulations; 2) benefits derived by growers from food biotechnology crops; 3) risks posed by such crops; 4) the relationship between public awareness and acceptance of agri-biotech; and 5) the respective roles of government and the private sector in the development dissemination, and use of food bio-technology.