FY08 BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH STRATEGY AND DEPARTMENT

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000108 SIPDIS SIPDIS EEB/TPP/ABT/BTT FOR JOHN FINN AND GARY CLEMENTS NEW DELHI FOR FAS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO KPAO SUBJECT: FY08 BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH STRATEGY AND DEPARTMENT RESOURCES REF: STATE 160639 ¶1. Post appreciates the opportunity to request funding for biotechnology outreach programs in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is at a turning point with respect to biotechnology. The country has regulations to label, regulate and control the import of Genetically Modified (GM) foods, as well as to regulate the utilization of biotechnology in domestic agriculture. Post remains concerned that Sri Lanka is (gradually) implementing regulations that require mandatory labeling of GM food imports. (Note: These regulations are part of the National Biosafety Framework, which was formulated in keeping with the articles of the Cartegena protocol, to which Sri Lanka is a signatory.) These regulations are likely to have adverse long-term effects for U.S. food exports to Sri Lanka. Conversely, local agricultural scientists, including Department of Agriculture officials, have 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. ¶2. Post proposes the following outreach activity: ¶A. Request: Post requests a biotechnology expert to both highlight the safety of agri-biotech products and to emphasize the significant potential of technology. Specifically, post recommends that a visiting expert would: - Engage local biotechnology regulators and highlight the safety of agri-biotech products as demonstrated by the WTO decision against the EU, as well as earlier determinations on the technology by the World Health Organization (WHO). S/he would also stress the need for transparent science-based regulations that do not hinder trade. - With scientists and officials of the Department of Agriculture and local universities, emphasize the immense potential the technology offers to increase food security, alleviate poverty, and protect the environment. ¶B. Specific Details (per reftel) Cost of the proposed program: -------------- The cost of the program will be approximately $10,000, inclusive of airfare, lodging, internal travel, hall hire, per diem and incidentals. There may be opportunities to work jointly with AmEmbassy New Delhi (STATE or FAS) to minimize the cost of this program. For example, a biotech expert already traveling to India could add Sri Lanka to his/her travel plan, thereby significantly reducing air cost. Target audience: -------------- -Government officials responsible for GM food regulations -Agriculture scientists and officials responsible for the development of the domestic agriculture industry -Agriculture university professors, students, and administrators -National Science Foundation -NGO's -Consumers-Media Specific ag-biotech issues to be addressd: -------------- - Regulation for labeling and control of GM food. This regulation has been published and is beinggradually implemented. - Biotech in domestic agriulture. Biotech is identified as an important tol to develop local agriculture. However, there ae no commercial biotech crops in production. Wewould like to emphasize how the technology can mve from trials and tests to commercial production How the project would help meet USG policy objctives: -------------- -------------- - The expert would be an important resource to convey the USG position on the regulation of GM products. USDA previously provided comments to the government concerning its policy. This would be a good opportunity to engage policy makers and regulators while reinforcing the USG position on the regulation and reiterating the need for transparent science-based regulations that have minimal trade impact. - The expert's discussions should demonstrate the potential of biotechnology to develop domestic agriculture while underscoring among policymakers the need to adopt biotechnology in local farming. This meets USG policy objectives to increase the use of biotechnology and will also assist Sri Lanka to achieve its food security needs. Post responsible officer: -------------- Kami Witmer, Economic Officer. Email: WitmerKA@state.gov, Tel: 94-11-2498500. Back-Up: Adrian Mendis, Commercial Specialist. Email: MendisA@state.gov. Tel: 94-11-249-8500. Post notes it's agreement, if funds are allocated for this program, to provide a detailed description of the audience reached, analysis on whether the program influenced public perceptions, and the level of media coverage achieved. BLAKE