WEBINAR: Post-COVID 19 Implications on Genetic Diversit

7 July 2021. Side event to the Science Days for the UN Food Systems Summit. Post-COVID 19 Implications on Genetic Diversity and Genomics Research & Innovation: A Call for Governance and Research Capacity

This event presented the findings of an independent, multi-disciplinary group of scientists who, at a time of significant technological change and digitization in the biological sciences, and in the aftermath of COVID-19, have discussed ways to enable data mobilization and build fairness in the research collaboration and innovation ecosystem. 

The group focused on new professional capacity to govern research and innovation at the meso-level to improve integration of macro-level policy and micro-level actions. As twin capacities, governance and research can reduce power differentials among diverse actors and support crisis-based imperatives for data openness. The group will also discuss how this holistic approach to capacity could build an evidence-based assessment of governance outcomes and improve the science-policy interface.

Speakers:

• Daniele Manzella, Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, FAO 
• Sélim Louafi, Cirad, France 
• Eric Welch, CSTEPS, ASU, USA 
• Ndjido A. Kane, CERAAS, Senegal 
• Elijane Ubalijoro, Future Earth, Global Hub Director, Canada; Executive Director, Sustainability in the Digital Age, Canada
• Catacora-Vargas, Bolivia 

Respondents

• David Castle, Univ of Victoria, Canada Georgina 
• Darrell Sexstone, INTPA, EU Commission, Policy Officer for Agriculture Biodiversity, genetic resources and seed systems, Based in: Gambia

Resource:

White Paper: Post COVID-19 Implications for Genetic Diversity and Genomics Research & Innovation: A Call for Governance and Research Capacity

Welch, E., et all (2021) Post COVID-19 Implications on Genetic Diversity and Genomics Research & Innovation: A Call for Governance and Research Capacity. 37 p.

CSTEPS co-led research and development of a new white paper titled Post COVID-19 Implications for Genetic Diversity and Genomics Research &Innovation: A Call for Governance and Research Capacity. This white paper emerged from an independent expert consultation commissioned by the Secretariat of International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, with support from the Government of Italy.

The purpose of the consultation was to identify the lasting impacts and the institutional and policy implications of COVID-19 for genetic diversity and genomic research and innovation, with a special focus on open access, global equity and science capacity. The Center for Science, Technology and Environmental Policy Studies at Arizona State University, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and Keystone Policy Center convened, led and facilitated the consultation.

You can read the entire white paper here.

AATF Launches New Variety Of Cowpea In Nigeria

28 June 2021. Large-scale adoption of emerging agricultural technologies and innovations could be the cure to endemic challenges facing African small-holder farmers including diseases, pests and climatic stresses..

Denis Kyetere, outgoing executive director, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) said that transforming subsistence farming in the continent lies in greater uptake of innovations and improved market linkages. (on 25/06 AATF was bidding farewell to its Executive Director, Dr Denis Tumwesigye Kyetere on his retirement after a successful 10-year tenure at the organisation).

The transgenic cowpea variety known as SAMPEA 20-T is resistant to the pod borer pest Marucca and

was released in Nigeria in December 2019 for commercial cultivation. The variety can produce higher yield than the conventional varieties, with reduced use of pesticides by farmers from eight times per cropping season to only two.

• The new variety of beans which is genetically modified, would boost farmers income as well as scale up production of cowpea in the country. It is resistant to lethal pests, it is not only high yielding but will also lead to reduced use of pesticides by farmers from eight times per cropping season to two.
• Enhanced yield for Nigerian farmers will help address the national cowpea demand deficit of about 500,000 tonnes and improve the national productivity average of 350 kg per hectare.
• Smallholder farmers in Kenya, Ethiopia and Mozambique could soon commence planting genetically engineered maize that is tolerant to drought and voracious pests like fall armyworm, subject to regulatory approval. 
• There is urgency for African governments to create a conducive policy and regulatory environment to facilitate uptake of agricultural innovations at the small-holder level, boost food security and rural incomes.
• Ongoing efforts to transform cassava value chains in Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania through mechanization and agro-processing have boosted yields and income for local farmers.

Ousmane Badiane, chair of AATF Board of Trustees said that providing African smallholder farmers with affordable and user-friendly technologies and innovations is key to realize sustainable development goals related to ending extreme poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

Related:
AATF Delivering the first Biotech Food Crop to West- Africa: PBR Cowpea

WEBINAR: Science for the society – How to secure food in a sustainable way

24 June 2021. World Food Convention – “Science for the society – How to secure food in a sustainable way”

The global society is facing major challenges. The growing population of the planet must be fed in a fair and sustainable manner. Producing enough food causes new, different problems which harm the climate. On top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic endangers the security of food production and the stability of supply chains, threatening food safety. Against this backdrop, scientific institutions as well as companies from both the old and the new economy are searching for ways to cope with these challenges. 

At the 5th World Food Convention, leading minds from science, politics and the economy discussed how food security can be ensured all over the planet without further exacerbating climate change and to find strategies to address these issues with regard to possible future pandemics. The focus was not only on the technological and technical aspects of food production and distribution but also on related ethical questions and political considerations. 

Extracts of the programme

Food Security and Smallholder Farmers

• Arif Husain, Chief Economist at UN World Food Programme
• Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, CEO of the TAHA GROUP and Board Member of the Agricultural Council of Tanzania (ACT)
• Rodger Voorhies, President of the Global Growth & Opportunity Division and a member of the Executive Leadership Team at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun, Economist, Director of the Center for Development Research (ZEF), Chair of the Scientific Group, UN Food Systems Summit

Genome Editing

• Yvonne Colomer, Executive Director, Triptolemos Foundation
• Dr. Jon Falk, Managing Director of Saaten-Union Biotec GmbH
• Dr. Michael Kock, SVP, Innovation Catalyst, INARI
• David Spencer and Svenja Augustin, Öko-Progressives Netzwerk/Givegenesachance
• Pia Voelker, Referee Gen-Ethisches Netzwerk e.V.
• Irene Sacristán Sánchez, Head of Unit at the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission

Farm to Fork

• Michaela Küfner - Moderator
• Keynote - Julia Klöckner, German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture
• Tassos Haniotis, Acting Deputy Director-General in the European Commission’s Directorate General Cabinet for Agriculture and Rural development
• Christoph Heinrich, Chief Conservation Officer at WWF Germany
• Christiane Lambert, President COPA-COGECA

Carbon Farming

• Interview: Prof. Dr. Heinz Flessa,Head of the Department “Agricultural Climate Protection” at Thünen Institut
• Ertharin Cousin, Ambassador, Visiting Scholar at the Center on Food Security and Environment at Stanford University
• Liam Condon, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science Division
• Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Rwandan agricultural scientist and policymaker; President of the AGRA and UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy to the 2021 Food Systems Summit

Innovations in Food

• Statement: Howard-Yana Shapiro, Distinguish Senior Fellow, Resilient Landscapes Principal, Double Helix Consulting Retired Chief Agricultural Officer at Mars, Owner at Double Helix Racing
• Start-up pitch: Regina Schmidt, Head of Innovation Projects at the United Nations World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator
• Interview: Erica Bliss, Business Development Manager, Mineral @X, The Moonshot Factory
• Closing Speech: David Beasley, Executive Director for the UN World Food Programme (WFP)

Related: 15 June 2021. G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists

WEBINAR: Gene Editing in Agriculture and Food: Social Concerns, Public Engagement and Governance

21-22 October 2020. Gene Editing in Agriculture and Food: Social Concerns, Public Engagement and Governance

Initial PAEPARD blogpost 20/10/2020 (without the videos): WEBINAR: Gene Editing in Agriculture and Food: Social Concerns, Public Engagement and Governance

This meeting was organized by Iowa State University with assistance from the State University of New York College of Environment Science and Forestry and the Keystone Policy Center. It is made possible through funding by United States Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Purpose: Understanding public concerns, values, and trust issues regarding gene editing in agriculture and food is a prerequisite to developing socially responsive policies, regulations, and private governance. This conference will present research and insights from social scientists and other scholars regarding social concerns and public engagement on gene editing in agriculture and food. It will explore the interrelationship of governance and engagement, identifying key considerations, responsibilities and opportunities.

Presentation Videos

Conference Overview: Recap Video
Parag Chitnis Opening Remarks
Carmen Bain Welcome

Session 1: Governance, Regulation, and Policy Pathways - Session 1 Panel Discussion

• Jennifer Kuzma Unpacking and Evaluating Regulatory Policy Pathways for Gene-edited Agricultural Products (extended version)
• Ruth Mampuys The Role and Limitations of Technocratic, Deliberative, and Regulatory Approaches in Biotechnology Governance
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Milind Kandlikar What Triggers Regulation of Gene-edited Crops? A Cross-National Assessment
• Adrian Ely What Can Past Dynamics of Agbiotech Regulation Teach Us About Trans-Atlantic Divergences in Genome Editing?

Session 2: Framing Risks and Benefits - Session 2 Panel Discussion

• Naoko Kato-Nitta The Effects of Information on Consumer Attitudes Toward Gene-edited Foods: A Comparison Between Livestock and Vegetables
• Paul B. Thompson Non-Safety Dimensions of Gene Editing: How Philosophers Could Help
• Kevin Pixley How We Decide Who Benefits from the Potential Contributions of Genome Edited Crops?
  
• Robert Chiles & Lina Tami-Barrera Policy and Ethical Implications of Gene-editing for Livestock, Plant-based Proteins, and Cell-based Foods

Session 3: Public Engagement and Trust - Session 3 Panel Discussion

• Dominique Brossard Societal Debates About Emerging Genetic Technologies: Toward a Science of Public Engagement
• Carmen Bain Closing the Trust Deficit for Gene Editing in Agriculture
  
• David Resnik Unresolved Issues in Public and Community Engagement for the Release of Genetically Modified Organisms into the Environment
• Michael Dahlstrom The Media’s Taste for Gene-edited Food

Session 4: Concerns, Values, and Control - Session 4 Panel Discussion

• Maui Hudson Māori Perspectives on Gene Editing
• Sara Nawaz New Products, Old Logics? A Q Method Study on Public Perceptions of Gene Editing and Gene Drives for Agriculture
• Greg Graff Intellectual Property as a Governance Mechanism for Genome Editing in Agriculture and Food