Biotechnology can help to fight hunger, malnutrition, head of UN food agency says

Biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can help to increase the supply, diversity and quality of food products and reduce costs of production and environmental degradation, Dr. Jacques Diouf, Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) told an international conference in Sweden today.

The environmental risks of biotechnology should, however, be openly addressed and the new technology should not be allowed to widen the gap between rich and poor nations, Dr. Diouf said in an address to the two-day forum in Stockholm. Titled "Genetically Modified Crops, Why? Why not?," the conference was organized by the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry.

"All our efforts must be directed to ensure that the potential benefits of biotechnology, with the necessary safeguard measures for health and the environment, are brought to within the reach of everybody, including the poor and the most disadvantaged," he said. "Nor can we ignore food safety as an integral and most critical part of this research and development process."

The FAO chief said that each GMO application must be fully analyzed on a case-by-case basis. "Through complete and transparent assessment of GMO applications, and recognition of their short- and long-term implications, the debate can be less contentious and more constructive," he said. "The scientist has a fundamental ethical responsibility in this regard."

Dr. Diouf called for new investments in research systems, for training and technical assistance across the developing world. "Developing countries need assistance, not only in laboratory facilities and know-how to undertake the field testing of GM crops and the other products of biotechnology research; they also need assistance in research policy and management issues pertaining to biotechnology and genetic engineering research," he said.