Research conducted by the ISAAA, said James, revealed that the economic benefit obtained from the application of agrobiotechnology from 1996 to 2007 totaled US$44 billion. Of that amount, 44% was generated by increased yields and 56% derived from lower production costs.

According to James, agrobiotechnology makes it possible to produce more food on less land, which protects soils and water and reduces environmental costs thanks to the use of less pesticide.

While recognizing that it is not a panacea, he believes that in a context characterized by greater demand for food, less land available for producing it and uncertainty as to effects of climate change, the use of agrobiotechnologies could help meet these challenges.

Enrique Alarcon, Director of IICA’s Area of Technology and Innovation, who opened the forum, stated “Agrobiotechnology can have a positive impact on agricultural production, agricultural yields, the use of genetic resources and, in general, on rural prosperity.”

For both men, biotechnology can contribute to reducing levels of hunger, but it is not the THE solution. Alarcon insisted that biotechnology is an important technology, but not the only one.

In figures

As of 2008, 25 countries had decided to grow biotechnological crops, ten of which are in the Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, United States of America and Uruguay. James is confident that by 2015 there will be 40countries.

In hectares, the total surface area planted in biotechnological crops worldwide in 2008 was 125 million hectares, 10.7 million more than in 2007, which is an increase of 9.4%. By 2015, it is estimated that this figure will rise to 200 million hectares.

James reported that in 2008, the number of farmers growing biotechnological crops increased by 1.3 million to 13.3 million, 90% of which (12.3 million) are poor small-scale farmers in developing countries. He estimates that by 2015 there will be more than 20 million.

Work ahead

For James, one of the major challenges facing agrobiotechnology is to develop effective, efficient and applicable regulatory frameworks in all countries, but especially in the developing countries.

In his judgment, the global challenges faced by the agricultural sector have reduced resistance to biotechnological crops, and “the more complicated the challenges become, the more that resistance wanes.”

A similar sentiment was expressed by Alarcon, who noted that even though Latin America has a well-established research infrastructure, it is necessary to invest more in this area and incorporate it more effectively into national and regional policies. He also feels it is necessary for the private sector to become more involved in the development of agrobiotechnologies.

James also called attention to the importance of encouraging South-South cooperation. He mentioned that there are five leading countries in the area of biotechnological crops: China, India, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa. “They are the countries of the south that can take the lead in providing such cooperation,” he said.

In his opinion, another task ahead is to generate, compile and share scientifically verifiable information as inputs for decision makers in the countries.

On this topic, Bryan Munoz, IICA Biotechnology and Biosafety Specialist, noted that through activities such as the forum the Institute’s Biotechnology and Biosafety Program promotes discussion, provides information and fosters dialogue among its 34 Member States.

For more information, contact
ramon.lastra@iica.int