Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
09BOGOTA25 | 2009-01-08 21:12:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Bogota |
VZCZCXYZ0002 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHBO #0025/01 0082112 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 082112Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY BOGOTA TO RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHDC RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6368 |
UNCLAS BOGOTA 000025 |
1. (U) SUMMARY: Post requests that EEB fund a Spanish-speaking U.S. expert on biotech policy, focusing on drafting and implementing legislation to promote biotechnology. Rather than addressing the safety or environmental effects of biotechnology, this speaker should discuss how to develop a pro-investment and pro-science biotech legal framework. Post's primary objective is to explore with Colombian congressional representatives, ministry officials, the press and researchers, the legal framework needed for biotechnology to thrive. This outreach will target policy-makers vis-a-vis direct and small group discussions. The goal of the outreach is also to engage with the agricultural sector via a presentation at AgroFuturo - an annual event sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture - where the speaker will present the benefits of biotechnology to a larger and broader audience. This speaker program would support USG and Post economic policy objectives by helping to develop a biotechnology legal framework that has the potential to open new markets for U.S. exporters, and the potential to increase Colombia's capacity to meet its food security needs. Upon approval, Post will work on identifying a specific speaker candidate in coordination with the Department. END SUMMARY. 2. (U) STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Colombian lawmakers' knowledge of biotechnology is limited and policymakers are subject to the influence of consumer and environmental activists that oppose implementation and expansion of science-based biotechnology in Colombia. A law to regulate different aspects of biotechnology was recently discussed in several legislative sessions. Last year, an attempt to legislate mandatory labeling of GMO products and bi-products was defeated but reintroduced into Congress for consideration in 2009. This legislation would create a restrictive legal framework for production, trade and distribution of biotech goods. The attempt to change legislation in Colombia would adversely affect trade (especially imports) of biotech products, impacting key U.S. GMO exports such as corn, soybeans and products made from these commodities. The speaker would expose anti-biotech lawmakers to the safety of GMOs and their economic benefits. This year would be ideal timing to influence this process in a factual and non-biased manner. 3. (U) COST: Program would be supported wholly from EEB funds. Estimated cost of this program is USD 5,750 which will include transportation, lodging, and interpretation (if needed) as follows: Transport: USD 2,000 (R/T US-Bogota) Local Travel (R/T most likely to Medellin): USD 750 Per diem (3 program and 2 travel days): USD 1,250 Interpretation (USD 500/day): USD 1,500 (as needed) Miscellaneous: (Meeting Room/invitations): USD 250 4. (U) TIME FRAME: Post is looking for the most qualified speaker on this subject and is flexible on the dates of the program. Optimally, post would like to have a speaker in June 2009 during AgroFuturo, the largest agricultural policy forum in Colombia. AgroFuturo is an annual event hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture. 5. (U) MISSION STRATEGIC PLAN THEME AND PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM: This program meets Post's FY 2009 MSP goal of "Promoting Economic Growth and Security" by helping to create a legal environment where new biotech products can thrive. The development of a favorable biotech environment has the potential to increase and open new markets for U.S. exporters of biotech products. Furthermore, the Colombian Congress recently passed legislation increasing the funding for science, technology and innovation (STI) activities and research -- with the hopes that STI can increase the country's productivity and become a driver of economic growth -- and with the appropriate legal environment, biotech R&D could become a greater priority for the GOC. A speaker program on biotechnology will directly support the goals of increasing bilateral economic ties and helping Colombia increase food security. 6. (U) AUDIENCE: Speaker will primarily address policy-makers such as representatives from the House and Senate; Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Energy, Social Protection, Commerce and Foreign Affairs; the Colombian Institute of Science (Colciencias) and Colombian Institute for Agriculture (ICA). In addition, the speaker will also address a broader audience at the AgroFuturo forum. 7. (U) IIP PARTICIPATION: There will be no IIP participation in this program. 8. (U) LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: Fluent Spanish strongly preferred 9. (U) POST CONTACT INFORMATION: ECON Program Officer is Megan Selmon; Email address: selmonml@state.gov; Telephone number: 011-57-383-2451; Cell phone number: 320-488-0210. FAS Program Officer: Todd Drennan; Email address: todd.drennan@fas.usda.gov; Telephone number: 011-57-315-2033; Cell phone number: 320-498-4250. NICHOLS |