Biotechnology Priorities for South Africa

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Biotechnology Priorities for South Africa

• Prof. Diran Makinde
• AfricaBio
• Cape Town- 14/15 April 2003

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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

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AfricaBios 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

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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.

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

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Plant Biotechnology in South Africa(New audit to
be done 2003)

• RD 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

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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.

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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)

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BRICs Biotechnology Programmes
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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)

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South African GM crop acreage 2003
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GMO Permits applied for and issued from 1999-2002
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Control Measures on GMOs

• 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)

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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 Registrars Office

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Safety checks(Communicate the safety checks)
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Conclusion

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

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ThankYou