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Much to the disappointment of many NGOs, the FAO June World Food Summit - Five Years Later (10-13 June, Rome, Italy) formally endorsed biotechnology as a way to address hunger, while failing to make mention of the role of organic foods. The US had been heavily pushing biotechnology as a solution to world hunger. According to the meeting’s Declaration, already approved before the end of the summit, “We are committed to study, share and facilitate the responsible use of biotechnology in addressing development needs.” The Declaration also advocates the advancement of “research into new technologies, including biotechnology,” adding: “The introduction of tried and tested new technologies including biotechnology should be accomplished in a safe manner and adapted to local conditions to help improve agricultural productivity in developing countries.” One source commented that the notion of biotechnology — an issue firmly contested by the EU — had also been supported by the G-77 (a coalition of some 130 poorer countries). Responding to the Declaration’s support for biotech, president of the NGO Forum Sergio Marelli reacted angrily: “It is incomprehensible. It shows the influence of nations, led by the US, upholding the interests of multinationals involved in biotechnology.”
BRIDGES Trade BioRes will report further on the outcomes of both the Food Summit and the NGO/CSO Forum on Food Sovereignty in the forthcoming issue.
See also BRIDGES Weekly, 12 June 2002.
ICTSD reporting; “Biotechnology to Combat Hunger,” IPS, 11 June 2002.
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