EU workshop debates the future of biotechnology

Trust has been identified by an Irish think-tank as the most important requirement if the benefits of biotechnology, as it applies to food, are to be widely accepted. This emerged at an examination of communications issues surrounding biotechnology with participants from all sides of the debate.

The findings of the workshop independently facilitated on behalf of BioResearch Ireland (BRI) earlier this year, were presented to the European Commission this week. It was part of an EU-funded project, `Biodivulga', and one of five such workshops held throughout Europe over the past few months. The objectives were to explore communication issues surrounding public awareness of the use of biotechnology in the food and agricultural industry and to prioritise key actions to enhance public awareness of biotechnology.

Participants were chosen independently and represented diverse interest groups including the biotechnology industry, food retailers, the media, Government bodies, consumer groups, promoters of organic foods and scientists. Four other workshops were facilitated by biotechnology organisations in Spain, Portugal, Germany and Britain.

If food biotechnology is to reach its full potential and, for example, widespread acceptance of GM foods in Ireland is to be achieved, trust needed to be built and earned, it was suggested especially by advocates of GM foods, such as their developers but equally by regulators of the sector.

The Irish participants underlined the need to provide information on assessment procedures for food safety and environmental risk. There was also a need to demonstrate both the benefits and risks of biotechnology and to facilitate debate on the role of biotechnology in society with a high level of public participation. Another important requirement was to provide genuine consumer choice with foods, for example, whether it's in buying GM or non-GM food.

Among key actions identified by participants to enhance public awareness of biotechnology were the establishment of an independent information agency to promote understanding and give an independent view on biotechnology and all its implications. Its prime aim would be to act as "a source of credible, independent, reliable, comprehensive and easily interpreted information".

Participants suggested the adoption of a model for public participation in a national debate on biotechnology and the establishment of a major interactive science centre in the State, including exhibition space on biotechnology. The group said there should be more media coverage of biotechnology. It also said there was a case for biotechnology to be part of the school curriculum.

Commenting on the presentation of the Irish findings, BRI director Dr Jim Ryan said biotechnology has been designated as a priority area for national development and was crucial to the advancement and competitiveness of our agri-food sector. "However, ensuring the effective explanation and communication of science-based facts to consumers, along with the arising social, ethical and economic issues will be important if they are to be in a position to make informed choices," he added.

Those in the biotechnology community acknowledged their responsibility to consider the interests and ideas of all parties to this debate. For this reason, BioResearch Ireland was, he said, delighted to participate in the project.

Given the potential impact of biotechnology on our quality of life and the specific importance of the agri-food sector to our economy and the opportunities afforded by biotechnology to enhance the quality and nutritional value of food, BRI would continue working to help foster an environment friendly attitude to the development of Ireland's biotechnology industry.

Dr Jim Ryan, director of BioResearch Ireland, hosts of the EU workshop in Ireland