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.
Nigerian scientists recently had a chance to showcase progress that they’ve made while developing improved products with biotechnology. During the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Abuja, Nigeria, scientists featured their work on projects such as insect-resistant cowpea; biofortified cassava; and, biofortified sorghum, among others. The session, organized by NABDA in collaboration with AATF’s West African office, featured scientific posters to more than 100 representatives from
government agencies, science institutes, farmers and the media. In addition, participants heard brief presentations from the local host, NABDA, USAID/Nigeria and a range of partner organizations, including The Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS). Professor B.O. Solomon, NABDA’s Director General’s comments focused on “Harnessing the Potential of Agricultural Biotechnology for Food Security and Social-Economic Development in Nigeria.” The presentation looked beyond R&D progress and towards near-term potential benefits to Nigeria’s economy and environment.
AATF partners with PBS and ISAAA in supporting OFAB Chapters in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda.
Mr. G.K. Nzuva, Chairman of the Kenya Central Agricultural Board recently shared lessons learned from his study of Bt cotton in Burkina Faso at the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB). On the study tour, Mr. Nzuva and participants from other countries saw the direct benefits of a functional biosafety system for farmers. In addition to improved yields, farmers have been able to reduce the application of costly chemicals to control insects. Farmers shared that Bt cotton only needs two chemical applications per year versus the six to eight applications for conventional cotton. This has helped increase farmer income, as well as improve the safety of their families. Prior to the introduction of Bt cotton, Burkina Faso lost $500 million due to decreased exports.
An interesting article regarding debates over GMOs in Africa and the progress being made where PBS has played a significant role in has been published in allAfrica.com.
Regulators, scientists, policy makers, journalists, and farmers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and North Sudan traveled to Burkina Faso recently and observed cotton farmers there enjoying increased yields and income as a result of cotton seed with built-in insect protection. Popularly referred to as white gold, cotton represents 60 percent of Burkina’s export earnings, with Bt cotton having been planted on some farms since 2008. The trip, organized by the ISAAA AfriCenter in partnership with PBS and ACTESA/COMESA, shared key lessons and opportunities associated with functional biosafety regulations, as well as how farmers benefit from commercialization. Currently, the more than 80,000 farmers in Burkina Faso that grow Bt cotton have seen an average of 21 percent increase in yields; and an increase of $106.14 per ha. Prior to the acceptance of functional regulations, farmers were suffering yield losses of up to 90 percent from the cotton bollworm.
Mauritius: National leaders from Agriculture, Environment; and Trade and Industry sectors met recently to discuss regional biosafety policies and guidelines that COMESA is developing. Through a series of national consultations, the Member States will make recommendations for consideration by COMESA decision makers next year. During the opening session, honorable Satya Veyash, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mauritius, said that applications of modern biotechnology “in the field of agriculture have resulted in higher productivity and lower costs.” He also praised the leaders of the G8 2008 “consensus to recognize the significance and potential of GMO crops for improving agricultural production.” Members of the PBS-Africa team provided technical support for these discussions.