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43.
At the Third Session of the FAO Commission on Plant Genetic Resources, April 1989, the implications of the new biotechnology for the International Undertaking were discussed at length. The Commission expressed particular concern that the new biotechnology might become subject to intellectual property protection in ways such as gene patenting which might harm the interest of Third World farmers, and urged assistance to strengthen the capability of developing countries to undertake research and development work in these fields. It asked FAO to draft a Code of Conduct in Biotechnology, including biosafety. In addition, to safeguard the plant breeders' rights on newly bred plant varieties, the Commission recognized the right of Third World farmers to the genetic value of indigenous crops and recommended compensation for use of this germplasm in classical plant breeding and biotechnology by instituting farmers' rights.
V.
ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION
Legal Framework
44.
Modern biotechnology is fast expanding, multidisciplinary, somewhat complex and sophisticated, compared with conventional technologies. One of the key features of R&D in biotechnology is the important role of the private sector. Another distinguishing feature is the applicability of intellectual property to the products and processes developed by using the new technology in most of the developed countries. Further, the environmental release of new products/organisms/varieties/breeds produced by novel genetic manipulating may pose certain as yet not fully defined risks.
45.
Member countries may have to assess the implications of the widespread use of biotechnology and develop a suitable legal framework for development and use of the new biotechnologies, including consideration of intellectual property rights. Biosafety guidelines are needed as well as enforceable regulations for the safe release of the products of biotechnology including genetically engineered organisms.
Biotechnology and Conventional Research
46.
The new biotechnology to date still hold more promise than practical contribution for increased agricultural production. Furthermore, in exploiting the new techniques one should bear in mind that a broad research base in agronomy, physiology, plant pathology, biochemistry and genetics is necessary. Biotechnological programmes must be fully integrated into a research background and cannot be taken out of the context of the problems being addressed.
47.
It should also be borne in mind that in most countries of the Region conventional technologies with proven high pay-offs remain underexploited. Therefore, it is necessary to view biotechnology principally as a complement to "conventional" technology and to allocate resources accordingly.
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