Thailand Farmers, Academia, Industries Convene for Candid Conversation on Biosafety Bill, Benefits of GMO Crops
Leading Thailand Organizations Announce Support for Safe Use of Plant Biotech / Key Findings to be shared with Government to Determine 'Way Forward'
In the wake of news that the country's Biotech Bill has been sent back to Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, a broad array of Thailand farmers, academia, industries gathered today to conduct an open forum on the impact of this development, the benefits biotech crops would deliver to the nation, and the road ahead for further partnership with the Thailand Government.
Support for biotech crop cultivation in Thailand and the bill, which would introduce the necessary regulatory framework, picked up momentum as a result of today's meeting. Joining Thailand's National Confederation for Safe, Secure and Sustainable Agriculture (NCSSSA) in backing biotech crop adoption were the Thai Seed Trade Association (THASTA); the Thai Feed Mill Association (TFMA); a host of individuals from the country's academic, scientific and farming communities; and the Seed Association of Thailand (SAT), which hosted the discussion.
"While many of us are disappointed with the recent turn with the Biosafety Bill, we're encouraged by the Prime Minister's continued commitment to making our nation's agriculture sector strong and vibrant," said Pornslip Patchrintanakul, TFMA President.
"As our government leaders revisit the Biosafety Bill, we need to ask the question: Are we growing here in Thailand the way we need to in order to realize food security and sustainability for the future? Of course, there's also the economic impact. Since the Philippines approved biotech corn 13 years ago, it's estimated our nation has lost close to US$1 billion as corn seed production moved to other countries. With Vietnam planting biotech corn this year, that's potentially another US$500 million over the next decade.
Without a strong framework in place that allows biotech crops to be grown and the coexistence of diverse farming, the likelihood that illegal or smuggled GM seeds will find their way into the equation are heightened. That leads to a serious regulatory issue, traceability concerns, puts our environment at risk, and endangers our organic industry as well."
"A Biosafety Bill that sets up framework to assess safety and provides Thailand farmers access to safe use of this technology is a very important first step – and one we look forward to working with Thailand's government and agricultural leaders in helping realize."
One of the topics discussed at today's meeting was Thailand's ongoing agricultural reformation. While some have suggested having a regulatory framework for biotech cultivation in place prior to completion of this reform is premature, the sentiment among the majority of organizations indicated otherwise.
"Farmers in Thailand are facing many agricultural challenges," said Sukan Sangwanna, Provincial member of the National Farmers Council. "Biotech can help farmers use fewer resources while increasing yield. Why are Thai farmers restricted when choosing what's best for their farms while other farmers around the world are allowed to choose Biotech that has been proven safe time and time again?
"We remain a strong partner with our Government in helping reform Thailand's agricultural sector to improve its competitiveness and robustness in the diverse markets of the region and world. An essential component of this reform is advanced agricultural biotechnology as well as the law to regulate its research and development. We look forward to working further with the leaders in Government to ensure real reform of our agricultural sector."
Another issue that was raised during the discussion was the challenge of managing biotech seed smuggling from neighboring Southeast Asian nations without a law in place to regulate and mitigate its impact.
"As our Government officials take another hard look at the Biosafety Bill, it's important to consider not only the potential benefits of plant biotechnology to our nation – but the less-obvious dangers of its absence as well," said Dr. Jessada Denduangboripant. "International scientific and regulatory authorities around the world have studied biotech crops and found that biotech crops are as safe as conventional crops. Biotech crops help both large and small farmers to increase their yield while lowering inputs and realizing better qualities of life.
"Lack of regulation is restricting R&D in Biotechnology in Thailand. The R&D is very important not only to find alternative solutions to cope with agricultural challenges and support Thailand's economy but also to ensure science-based safety assessments to recommend only safe use of products in Thailand."
It was decided at today's meeting that the key findings from the discussion will be shared with Government leaders to help further inform and partner in determining the 'way forward' for Thailand's agricultural reform and the role of biotech crops.
Since 1996, biotech crops have helped farmers around the world produce 231 million more tons of corn. It's projected that plant biotech adoption in Thailand can drive an increase of the nation's corn seed and feed production by roughly 50% in 10 years – and put an estimated US$1.2 billion of additional income in the pockets of Thailand corn farmers in just five years.
Media Contact
James Best
Communications Director
Aziam Burson-Marsteller (ABM)
Tel: 02-252-9871
Email address: [email protected]
In the wake of news that the country's Biotech Bill has been sent back to Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, a broad array of Thailand farmers, academia, industries gathered today to conduct an open forum on the impact of this development, the benefits biotech crops would deliver to the nation, and the road ahead for further partnership with the Thailand Government.
Support for biotech crop cultivation in Thailand and the bill, which would introduce the necessary regulatory framework, picked up momentum as a result of today's meeting. Joining Thailand's National Confederation for Safe, Secure and Sustainable Agriculture (NCSSSA) in backing biotech crop adoption were the Thai Seed Trade Association (THASTA); the Thai Feed Mill Association (TFMA); a host of individuals from the country's academic, scientific and farming communities; and the Seed Association of Thailand (SAT), which hosted the discussion.
"While many of us are disappointed with the recent turn with the Biosafety Bill, we're encouraged by the Prime Minister's continued commitment to making our nation's agriculture sector strong and vibrant," said Pornslip Patchrintanakul, TFMA President.
"As our government leaders revisit the Biosafety Bill, we need to ask the question: Are we growing here in Thailand the way we need to in order to realize food security and sustainability for the future? Of course, there's also the economic impact. Since the Philippines approved biotech corn 13 years ago, it's estimated our nation has lost close to US$1 billion as corn seed production moved to other countries. With Vietnam planting biotech corn this year, that's potentially another US$500 million over the next decade.
Without a strong framework in place that allows biotech crops to be grown and the coexistence of diverse farming, the likelihood that illegal or smuggled GM seeds will find their way into the equation are heightened. That leads to a serious regulatory issue, traceability concerns, puts our environment at risk, and endangers our organic industry as well."
"A Biosafety Bill that sets up framework to assess safety and provides Thailand farmers access to safe use of this technology is a very important first step – and one we look forward to working with Thailand's government and agricultural leaders in helping realize."
One of the topics discussed at today's meeting was Thailand's ongoing agricultural reformation. While some have suggested having a regulatory framework for biotech cultivation in place prior to completion of this reform is premature, the sentiment among the majority of organizations indicated otherwise.
"Farmers in Thailand are facing many agricultural challenges," said Sukan Sangwanna, Provincial member of the National Farmers Council. "Biotech can help farmers use fewer resources while increasing yield. Why are Thai farmers restricted when choosing what's best for their farms while other farmers around the world are allowed to choose Biotech that has been proven safe time and time again?
"We remain a strong partner with our Government in helping reform Thailand's agricultural sector to improve its competitiveness and robustness in the diverse markets of the region and world. An essential component of this reform is advanced agricultural biotechnology as well as the law to regulate its research and development. We look forward to working further with the leaders in Government to ensure real reform of our agricultural sector."
Another issue that was raised during the discussion was the challenge of managing biotech seed smuggling from neighboring Southeast Asian nations without a law in place to regulate and mitigate its impact.
"As our Government officials take another hard look at the Biosafety Bill, it's important to consider not only the potential benefits of plant biotechnology to our nation – but the less-obvious dangers of its absence as well," said Dr. Jessada Denduangboripant. "International scientific and regulatory authorities around the world have studied biotech crops and found that biotech crops are as safe as conventional crops. Biotech crops help both large and small farmers to increase their yield while lowering inputs and realizing better qualities of life.
"Lack of regulation is restricting R&D in Biotechnology in Thailand. The R&D is very important not only to find alternative solutions to cope with agricultural challenges and support Thailand's economy but also to ensure science-based safety assessments to recommend only safe use of products in Thailand."
It was decided at today's meeting that the key findings from the discussion will be shared with Government leaders to help further inform and partner in determining the 'way forward' for Thailand's agricultural reform and the role of biotech crops.
Since 1996, biotech crops have helped farmers around the world produce 231 million more tons of corn. It's projected that plant biotech adoption in Thailand can drive an increase of the nation's corn seed and feed production by roughly 50% in 10 years – and put an estimated US$1.2 billion of additional income in the pockets of Thailand corn farmers in just five years.
Media Contact
James Best
Communications Director
Aziam Burson-Marsteller (ABM)
Tel: 02-252-9871
Email address: [email protected]
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