Mission Brazil and Embassy Maputo Propose Trilateral

UNCLAS BRASILIA 000042 SIPDIS EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT FOR MARCELLA SZYMANSKI AND JACK BOBO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO KPAO BR MZ SUBJECT: Mission Brazil and Embassy Maputo Propose Trilateral Biotechnology Outreach REF: 2009 STATE 122732; 2009 MAPUTO 966; 2010 MAPUTO 51 ¶1. SUMMARY: In response to ref A, Embassy Brasilia and Embassy Maputo jointly request funding for a trilateral seminar on the benefits of agricultural biotechnology to take place in Mozambique, featuring speakers from the United States and Brazil. The United States is a world leader in the area of agricultural biotechnology. Brazil has embraced the use of biotechnology and has world-class agricultural research facilities and scientists (many of whom were trained in the United States). In addition, Brazil has shown a talent for adapting plants from temperate climates to tropical ones and, of course, its researchers speak Portuguese and are familiar with working in a developing country. As Embassy Maputo noted in ref B, Mozambique views trilateral cooperation efforts positively and could benefit from U.S. and Brazilian expertise in agricultural biotechnology. In addition to promoting science-based regulation and biotech market opportunities in Mozambique, the proposed seminar would complement existing trilateral development cooperation efforts and also strengthen bilateral engagement between the United States and Brazil as well as between the United States and Mozambique in the important area of agricultural biotechnology. END SUMMARY. The Time is Now for Trilateral Cooperation -------------- -------------- ¶2. The governments of the United States, Brazil, and Mozambique have already agreed to trilateral cooperation on public health and food security. The Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) has food security projects in a variety of African nations, and the Brazilian Corporation for Agricultural Research (Embrapa) has an office in Ghana and plans for one in Mozambique. In a January 11 meeting with USAID Brasilia, Director of ABC Marco Farani expressed strong interest in the idea of a trilateral biotechnology seminar, perhaps as a kick-off event for the broader food security agreement. Mission Brazil believes that ABC would be willing to contribute some funding for the proposed seminar, perhaps by covering travel costs for some of the Brazilian delegation. ¶3. Mission Brazil, following Washington guidance, has recently increased efforts as part of an overall strategy to strengthen biotechnology engagement with Brazil. In March 2009, Embassy Brazil's Science Section delivered a biotechnology demarche to multiple Brazilian ministries, setting the stage for an October 2009 visit to Brazil by Dr. Nina Fedoroff, the State Department and USAID Science and Technology Advisor. During her visit, Dr. Fedoroff discussed with ABC the potential of joint U.S.-Brazil efforts to influence the development of biotechnology policies and acceptance in Africa. ¶4. Embassy Maputo believes that now is an excellent time to expand trilateral cooperation, in light of existing efforts, personal interest from the Brazilian ambassador in Maputo, and the interest generated by Mozambican President Armando Guebuza's July 2009 visit to Brazil (ref A). As reported in ref C, the government of Mozambique (GRM) has identified biotechnology as a cross-cutting technology in its Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy and is in the process of defining national biotechnology policy. At this important time in the development of biotechnology policy in Mozambique, the proposed seminar will encourage further research and capacity building, as well as the implementation of science-based biotechnology regulations. The Seminar -------------- ¶5. We propose a three-day seminar in Maputo, to include an opening ceremony, two days of presentations and panel discussions, opportunities for press engagement, and a site visit. Presentation topics could include: --Science-based biotechnology regulatory models --Biotech to improve productivity in cash and staple crops --Biotech and the environment --Biofuels production --Decreased pesticide use, erosion --Land efficiency --Biotech and development --Innovation --Nutrition and disease prevention ¶6. A site visit to an innovative Mozambican agriculture or research site (such as the One World University, an agricultural training and research school funded by USDA through ADPP/Humana) would be beneficial to create opportunities for discussion of how to apply the issues discussed in the presentations and also to help foster relationships among participants. The Participants -------------- ¶7. We propose that the delegations from the United States, Brazil, and Mozambique consist of a mix of scientists and policymakers. We would be grateful for advice on the best U.S. participants. Suggestions for the Brazilian and Mozambican attendees follow. Brazil: --Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and the biotech regulatory body (CTNBio) --Representatives of ABC and Embrapa --Scientists Mozambique: --Representatives of the GRM inter-agency working group on biotechnology --Representatives of Ministry of Agriculture --GRM Agricultural Research Service --GRM Agricultural Provincial Directorate-Maputo --Non-profit organizations involved in agricultural development, such as Technoserve The Funding -------------- ¶8. For administrative purposes, we propose that EEB grant funding for the costs related to hosting the seminar in Mozambique to Embassy Maputo and funding for the costs related to travel of the U.S. and Brazilian delegations to Embassy Brasilia. The two embassies would provide a joint report of spending after the seminar. Approximate costs follow. Travel: --U.S. delegation USD 4,000/person x 6 participants = USD 24,000 --Embassy Brasilia State Department representative USD 2,000 (NOTE: USAID Brasilia anticipates sending a representative, as well, but is not requesting additional funding. END NOTE.) --Brazilian delegation USD 2,000/person x 6 participants = USD 12,000 (NOTE: Embassy Brasilia anticipates that some GOB representatives may decline the offer of travel funding. Brazil is eager to be approached as a partner, rather than an aid recipient, and may prefer to fund its own participation. However, we cannot know in advance which Brazilians will accept funding and believe it is appropriate to extend the offer. END NOTE.) Per Diem: USD 216/day x 5 days x 13 participants = USD 14,040 Conference Costs: Room rental USD 1,500 / day x 3 days = USD 4,500 Simultaneous interpretation (English-Portuguese) USD 300/day x 3 days = USD 900 Preparation of Written Materials (and Translation) such as banners, office supplies and invitations = USD 6,400 Transportation USD 250 / day x 3 days = USD 750 TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS: USD 64,590 ¶9. Mission Brazil and Embassy Maputo hope EEB will favorably consider this proposal to advance food security cooperation goals in Africa in trilateral partnership with Brazil. ¶10. This message has been coordinated with Embassy Maputo. KUBISKE