At the foundation stone laying ceremony for the biotechnology building at Kleinzwanzlebener Saatzucht AG, Einbeck, Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers, the Federal Minister of Education, Science, Research and Technology gave the following speech:

"Today is a good day for biotechnology in Germany. In recent years, we have made great steps forward in medical biotechology. The far-sighted entrepreneurial decision to build a biotechnology centre at Einbeck is a clear sign that we are keeping up with international developments in plant
biotechnology as well. The centre's importance thus extends far beyond this region.

"Biotechnology is one of the key technologies of the 21st century. The range of uses and opportunities it offers is enormous, as are the potential sales and job opportunities. By the year 2000, experts believe there will be up to 110,000 jobs in this field in Germany.

"The Federal government pledges its support of biotechnology. My aim is to make Germany the leading location for biotechnology by the year 2000. And the prospects are good:

Germany is already one of the world-wide leaders in research. In terms of venture capital, we are second in Europe after the U.K. Between 1995 and 1996, the number of biotech companies here has doubled from 75 to 150

"The Federal government has created the legal framework for biotechnology and made it more flexible. But we know there is still room for improvement when it comes to 'green' genetic engineering. The Chancellor's council for research, technology and innovation recognises this problem as well. In addition, the costs of registration processes in Germany are still too high and its administrative procedures too rigid. The Federal government intends to do something about this. Our aim is to create as favourable conditions for plant biotechnology as there are for
genetic engineering in medical research.

"Genetic engineering in plants enables us to increase yields and to breed more resistant plants. Crops can also be made resistant to herbicides, pests and extreme climatic conditions. Higher yields and fewer crop failures help conserve natural resources. Less farmland is required, and biodegradable herbicides reduce the strain on soil and ground water.

"There is no way of telling how the market will react. The responsibility here lies with science and business: they must keep the public informed about genetic engineering products and processes and lobby for them actively. Business in particular must increase its efforts to gain acceptance
of genetic engineering and biotechnology. I am pleased that German plant breeders have agreed to label genetically modified products voluntarily.

The Technology council has proposed amongst other things that a multidisciplinary committee be set up at Federal government level to monitor further developments in biotechnology and the processes of dynamic change expected. I have taken up this recommendation and intend to create the prerequisites for this 'Innovation Forum on Biotechnology 2000', in which all those involved will participate."

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