CropLife International
announces the release of its new general compliance
management document for conducting confined field trials of
biotech crops. Confined
field trials refer to small-scale experimental field trials
of a genetically engineered plant species performed under
the terms and conditions that mitigate impacts on the
surrounding environment.
This practical tool
demonstrates industry's commitment to proper stewardship of
biotechnology products by ensuring that
confined field
trials are conducted under appropriately controlled
conditions and in a workable and efficient manner. It also
assists countries by providing a model around which national
guidelines can be developed. This is particularly important
for developing countries, where regulations may not
currently exist.
Biotech stewardship refers to
the ethical management of a biotechnology product from its
discovery or development, through to its ultimate use and
discontinuation. The plant science industry is committed to
promoting full and effective stewardship to the field level,
and believes that the appropriate management and use of its
products is an important element underpinning sustainable
agriculture and safeguarding the environment and public
health.
"We are committed to help
build and strengthen research and regulatory capacities,
especially in developing countries, so that biotechnology's
benefits can be maximised,
and any risks minimised,"
stated Christian Verschueren, Director General of CropLife
International. "This new document is a very practical tool
that is relevant for researchers, policymakers and
industry. It provides general information, as well as
technical guidance, which will help countries ensure safe
and proper field research
into biotechnology products."
The document presents an
overview of the current status of field trials in developing
countries, and highlights case studies from several
countries that have successfully transitioned from
field-testing to commercial approvals (Argentina, India, the
Philippines and
South Africa). It also provides useful information that may
be used to ensure quality at each stage of a field trial,
including:
- Transportation and
storage of experimental biotech plant material
- Management of the
confined trial site, including reproductive
isolation of experimental species and corrective
actions to take in the case of accidental release
- Harvest and
disposition of materials
- Management of the
trial site after harvest
In addition, sample standard
operating procedures and regulatory templates are provided,
which can be easily adapted to suit local needs and
conditions.
Training workshops using this
guidance document are taking place around the world,
targeting government officials and representatives from
public and private sector research groups. The first took
place in New Delhi, India on 9 August 2005 to coincide with
a government review of its field trial guidelines, and was
attended by 115 participants. The next workshop is
scheduled to take place in the Philippines.
More information and electronic copies of the guidance
document can be found at
www.croplife.org/biotechstewardship.
