Resource mobilization strategy for communication and knowledge sharing in crop biotechnology : final technical report, November 2009 to February 2010

The report is part of a strategy for resource mobilization to gain support from development partners, the private sector, and government policy makers. It summarizes activities undertaken to produce an annual report for the year 2008-9. The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) provides science-based, factual and authoritative information on crop biotechnology to the global community through wide-ranging communication channels. About 75% of the major beneficiaries of crop biotech products have never heard of biotechnology. The report will be used in making contact with decision makers

An overview of genetically modified crop governance, issues and challenges in Malaysia

The application of agricultural biotechnology attracts the interest of many stakeholders. Genetically modified (GM) crops, for example, have been rapidly increasing in production for the last 20 years. Despite their known benefits, GM crops also pose many concerns not only to human and animal health but also to the environment. Malaysia, in general, allows the use of GM technology applications but it has to come with precautionary and safety measures consistent with the international obligations and domestic legal frameworks. This paper provides an overview of GM crop technology from international and national context and explores the governance and issues surrounding this technology application in Malaysia. Basically, GM research activities in Malaysia are still at an early stage of research and development and most of the GM crops approved for release are limited for food, feed and processing purposes. Even though Malaysia has not planted any GM crops commercially, actions toward such a direction seem promising. Several issues concerning GM crops as discussed in this paper will become more complex as the number of GM crops and varieties commercialised globally increase and Malaysia starts to plant GM crops. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry