What is PBS?
The Program for Biosafety System (PBS) supports partner countries in Africa and Asia in the responsible development and use of biotechnology. Managed by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), PBS works with countries interested in using biotechnology to enhance agricultural innovation.
Today, smallholder farmers in more than 15 countries successfully grow crop varieties developed through biotechnology.
PBS works with stakeholders to develop and implement science-based, functional biosafety systems that ultimately: Expand producer choice, inspire consumer confidence, facilitate trade, and promote agricultural R&D.
NEPA’s Agency African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE) organized a key meeting recently to discuss biosafety frameworks. Focusing on countries such as Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, among others, the meeting attracted leading biotechnology and biosafety stakeholders and providers of technical assistance. The group shared experiences, identified key capacity building needs and emerging challenges regarding the development and implementation of workable biosafety regulatory frameworks.
As part of the continuing effort the Philippines has been making to responsibly develop and use biotechnology, the 2011 National Biotechnology Week was celebrated in Manila as an event open to the public. Dr. Reynaldo Ebora from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), and Philippines Coordinator for PBS, presented a paper entitled “Rising to the Challenge of Food Security and Climate Change through Biotechnology, the Philippine Context”. In addition, an exhibit was displayed at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) building to highlight the support PBS has been providing to the Philippines, working in collaboration with national partners.
Indonesia is looking to biotechnology to help meet the future challenges of climate change and food security. As part of that commitment, students at universities have been learning more about agricultural biotechnology and its potential. About 250 students, graduate students and biology teachers at senior high schools recently attended information sessions organized by the University of Lampung, and the University of Gadjah Mada. The students learned how some products in early development stages could assist with Indonesia’s challenges such as nitrogen use efficient maize and rice; sugar cane, maize and rice that can withstand drought; and crops that reduce overall pesticide use. Julian Adams, PhD, and Asia Program Coordinator for PBS, gave lectures and shared a global perspective on this area.
On December 14, Judy Chambers of the Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) will be a panelist at the "Enabling a Private Sector-Led Seed Industry: Policy Perspectives" seminar in Washington, DC. Joe Cortes of Iowa State University’s Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products (BIGMAP) will outline the findings of the “Building an enabling environment for seed sector growth” policy brief produced by the Enabling Agricultural Trade (EAT) project. Along with Judy, panelist Mark Huisenga of USAID’s Bureau for Food Security will discuss the findings; and EAT’s Nate Kline will moderate and engage the audience in a Q&A session on the topic of seed policy.
BIGMAP partners with PBS in supporting to improve functional biosafety systems in Africa and Asia.
A review of policy options with an application to Vietnam
Guillaume P. Gruère. PBS Policy Note.