FY06 BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH FUNDING - SRI LANKA

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000150 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO CE SUBJECT: FY06 BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH FUNDING - SRI LANKA EB/TPP/ABT/BTT FOR TOM LERSTEN AND MATT KOCH REF: 2005 STATE 233448 Post appreciates the opportunity to request biotechnology outreach programs for Sri Lanka. The country has already drafted a biosafety framework in keeping with the articles of the Cartegena protocol, to which Sri Lanka is a signatory. Following are the biotech outreach proposals for Sri Lanka: ¶1. Biotechnology study tour to the US Sri Lanka is in a decisive position with respect to biotechnology. The country has in place a draft framework to regulate the import of GM foods and utilization of biotechnology in domestic agriculture. Some contents of the framework are not consistent with a science-based approach to biotechnology. Conversely, the Ministry of Agriculture has identified biotechnology as a tool to improve the domestic agriculture sector in terms of increasing productivity and farmer incomes, reducing insecticide usage, increasing yields and contributing to overall food security objectives of the country. We propose that a high-level delegation, comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Health, including the Minister of Agriculture Development be sent on a study tour to the US. The objectives of this tour are two-fold: - To inform and educate government officials responsible for food safety the need to adopt a transparent science based approach in compiling regulations to deal with GM foods and to provide an extensive overview of US systems and procedures in place to ensure the safety and quality of US food exports including GM foods. - To present first hand knowledge of biotechnology crops in the field, success of agricultural biotechnology in the U.S. and its applicability to local agriculture/livestock sector, and learn how technologies are transferred from research organizations/universities to farmers and private sector. This Biotech study tour will also give the senior delegation an opportunity to interact with the U.S. policy makers and regulators at USDA, FDA, EPA, and U.S. State Department in Washington, DC The duration of this program is expected to be around 2-3 weeks and cost approximately $40,000. ¶2. Technical assistance in the drafting/finalization of the Plant Breeders Rights Law (Plant Variety Protection Policy/Law): The government of Sri Lanka is working to develop a new law on Plant Breeders Rights Law (Plant Variety Protection Law). It is proposed that a key official involved in compiling this law will be trained at the International Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Technology Transfer Short Course at Michigan State University (MSU) to be held in July 2006. In addition, MSU will facilitate a follow-up visit by a Plant Breeders Rights (PBR)/Plant Variety Protection (PVP) expert to Sri Lanka to finalize the draft with the local committee entrusted with the task. The new PBR/PVP law will help Sri Lankan scientists in accessing new technologies from the global community and attract private sector investments in biotechnology and plant breeding research and development in Sri Lanka and thereby facilitate trade in biotech products. Proposed Budget for course fee for attending the International Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Technology Transfer Short Course at Michigan State University (MSU),meals, lodging and air ticket for one participant from Sri Lanka who is a member of the committee that is preparing the new PBR/PVP law: $7,500 Proposed Budget for the follow-up visit by a PBR/PVP expert to Sri Lanka (including air ticket, meals, lodging, local transportation, and consulting fee): $10,000 ¶3. Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum The Ministry of Agriculture along with collaboration from MSU and key stakeholders propose to organize a National Agricultural Biotechnology meeting in 2006 to foster networking and information exchange among various stakeholders. This workshop will place special emphasis on public-private sector partnerships in biotechnology and review progress made on various activities recommended in the 2005 Biotechnology Workshop. Duration of program is approximately four days and cost estimated $15,000. ¶4. Short Term Consultant to deal with National Biosafety Framework (NBF) issues Sri Lanka has a drafted a NBF, a requirement of the Cartegena Protocol, to which Sri Lanka is a signatory. Some regulations contained in the NBF are excessive and not in keeping with a science based approach to biotechnology. Hence, trade in US food products to Sri Lanka could be affected if the NBF is implemented. It is proposed that a suitable expert work with Sri Lankan authorities on regulations, public outreach and education to ensure that the NBF will not unduly hinder trade, is transparent, and consistent with a science based approach to biotechnology. Duration is approximately 2-3 weeks and cost $15,000 (including air ticket, lodging, meals, transportation) LUNSTEAD