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March, 2002
Crop Biotechnology: An Overview
Issue Paper 1 • March 2002
ABE - Agricultural Biotechnology in Europe
Introduction
This report is the first in a series to be issued by
Agricultural Biotechnology in Europe (ABE). ABE is an initiative
supported by Europe’s leading agricultural biotechnology
companies. In this report, we will summarise the situation in
Europe (in a global context), whereas future editions will
address individual key issues in more depth. Our intention is to
present the facts as we know them, and to explore each area in
an open and honest way.
The application of modern biotechnology (often referred to as
GM technology) to crop production is an area which we believe
holds great promise for farmer and the food chain, and also for
consumers and sciety in general. Not only can this tool be used
to improve agricultural productivity,but also to contribute
towards reductions in the environmental impact of farming.
We recognise, however, that the introduction of crop produced
with biotechnology and the use of these crops in foods have
raised concerns in Europe, and that future introductions can
only be made once consumer feel they have sufficient information
to make an informed choice.
Our aim is to promote
an open and informed debate with all takeholders, with
confidence that, in the fullness of time, agricultural
biotechnology (agbiotech) crops will gain acceptance in Europe
as they have in other part of the world.
This series of
reports represents one of the first steps in wider
communications about agricultural biotechnology. We hope this
communication will be two-way: we will be seeking your feedback
and requests for specific information. We will also keep you
informed about other activities we are undertaking.
The full report is available as very large PDF file at
http://abeurope.dynamicweb.dk/images/files/abe_issues_paper_1.PDF
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