The East African Community is working on fast-tracking a proposed harmonized policy on Biosafety as a key priority. This will inform future decision-making on the use of the Genetic Modified Organisms (GMOs) crops in the region.
Principal Agricultural Economist at the EAC, Moses Marwa, said recently the draft regional and Biosafety policy that has been under development and would be ready by June 2014. “The potential of biotechnology in addressing agricultural and climate change challenges should be explored in a science-based manner- to maximize potential benefits and minimize any potential risks,” he said.
Mainstreaming of Biosafety in the regional integration agenda is a key priority that will inform future decision-making on the use of the GMO crops in the region, and attest to the fact that the EAC recognizes the fundamental importance of science and technology in economic development.
Marwa noted that there is a need for the regional blocks to develop strategies for public education, participation, awareness in biotechnology and Biosafety. He also called for the establishment of a Panel of Experts to guide Biosafety decision making-give risk assessment opinions as well as established EAC Centres of Excellence in biotechnology and Biosafety.
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