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</font></font><a class="date"><em><font color="#666666" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Posted 29 April 2009</font></em></a><br><br><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>PHILIPPINES</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
1-BIOTECH ABACA VARIETY EYED TO REVIVE TROUBLED INDUSTRY <br>2-CAYETANO SUPPORTS GENETIC TESTING <br>3-6TH NATIONAL CORN CONGRESS PRESENTS SEVEN DEMANDS <br>4-DA UNIT BACKS DEVELOPMENT OF BIOTECH SECTOR <br><br></font><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>AFRICA</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
5-UGANDA: MINISTRY CLEARS GM COTTON, PLANTING TO START IN MAY <br><br></font><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>GERMANY</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
6-GERMANY TO PERMIT TRIALS WITH GMO POTATO <br><br></font><a class="country"><font color="#336600" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>GLOBAL</strong></font></a><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
7-'FARMING REVOLUTION' ON HORIZON AS SCIENTISTS SEQUENCE COW GENOME FOR FIRST TIME <br></font></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr>
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<div align="left"><font size="2"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>1-BIOTECH ABACA VARIETY EYED TO REVIVE TROUBLED INDUSTRY</strong><br>26-April-2009 </font></font><a target="_blank" href="http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=461188&publicationSubCategoryId=77"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">The Philippine STAR</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">MARAWI CITY, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture and the Mindanao State University (MSU) are collaborating to reinvigorate the troubled abaca industry in the south which used to be a big foreign exchange earner through a newly-developed biotechnology variety that has been proven to be resistant to deadly viruses. <br>
<br>Director Alicia Ilaga of the DA Biotechnology Program cited during the recent launching of the Biotechnology Information and Resource Center at the MSU main campus cited that the virus resistant abaca developed by the panel of experts led by Dr. Antonio Lalusin of the Institute of Plant Breeding at the University of Plant Breeding in Los could be the solution to fast deteriorating abaca industry, particularly in central Mindanao.<br>
<br>Dr. Macapado A. Muslim, the MSU president, acknowledged the need for abaca growers to pursue agricultural modernization in Mindanao, which continues of to be plagued by deadly mosaic, bract mosaic and the bunchy-top viruses which had earlier crippled the Bicol region, which used to be country’s biggest abaca producer.<br>
<br>Initially, Muslim has proposed the setting up a of tissue culture laboratories to be hosted by the MSU system, to propagate the newly-developed biotech abaca variety.<br><br>Ilaga said that Mindanao can fast rehabilitate the dwindling abaca industry, with its vast areas suitable to abaca plantations to meet the country’s export demand.<br>
<br>While Bicol accounts for 66 per cent or 52,666 hectares of total abaca area mapped by the DA, it also reported a 27 per cent incidence of viral diseases prompting government to look at Eastern Visayas to augment the abaca needs of the country.<br>
<br>But Muslim noted that given the necessary funding for research and development, the MSU can promote truly Filipino biotechnology products starting with the virus –resistant abaca.<br><br>He offered to mobilize the 21 agriculture scientists of the MSU College of Agriculture in Marawi to step up government’s efforts in modernizing agriculture in the south. It was gathered that MSU has already submitted 36 project proposals for research and development projects to boost agriculture modernization in the south.<br>
<br>“Given the continuously increasing population in the country, biotechnology is an option” to meet the country’s food demands, Muslim said<br><br>Meanwhile, Ilaga said that DA Undersecretary Segefredo Serrano will meet with the MSU officials to map out possible collaboration efforts in promoting abaca and other biotechnology crops. – biolife news service<br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br><strong>2-CAYETANO SUPPORTS GENETIC TESTING </strong><br>26-April-2009 </font><a target="_blank" href="http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2009-04-25&sec=4&aid=91437"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">People’s Journal</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">SENATOR Pia Cayetano was guest of honor and speaker in the recent partnership</font> <font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">between the Philippine-based Ambica Biotechnologies and Reliance Life Sciences of India in providing high-end molecular diagnostics and genetic testing in the country held at the Intercon Hotel in Makati City.<br>
<br>Both companies are accredited with the National Accreditation Board for Laboratory Testing (NABL) and College of American Pathologists (CAP). Reliance Life Sciences is highly regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s finest in the field of molecular diagnostics and genetics.<br>
<br>Through the alliance, Ambica Biotechnologies will provide accurate and affordable access to molecular diagnostics and genetic testing for more Filipinos.<br><br>Cayetano signified her support towards the advancement of preventive healthcare medicine and modern diagnostics in the Philippines. She urged the medical professionals to support modern diagnostic testing and allow this kind of program to grow in the country.<br>
<br>“There is a need to review policies on the availability and affordability of medicines and promote healthy lifestyle and health care services,” she stresses. The lady Senator has been a constant supporter of preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyle through her “Pinay in Action” program.<br>
<br>“We have to allow the development of modern technology in preventing diseases. The death of my son Gabriel and my father of liver cancer has been my inspiration towards this kind of advocacy,” she said.<br><br>Her son was diagnosed in 2001 of pneumonia as a complication from a genetic disease called Trisomy. Dr. Philip Cruz, Ambica Biotechnologies Executive president, said that technologies make it possible to detect genetic diseases in an offspring even before implantation. Genetic testing of an unborn infant can provide information that can help families prepare for the pregnancy, child care and counseling. <br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br><strong>3-6TH NATIONAL CORN CONGRESS PRESENTS SEVEN DEMANDS </strong><br>by Manny T. Ugalde <br>20-April-2009 </font><a target="_blank" href="http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/april/20/yehey/prov/20090420pro4.html"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Manila Times</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">LEGAZPI CITY: The three-day Philippine National Corn Congress here adopted seven vital resolutions in an effort to achieve feeds security, alleviate poverty and address the effect of climate change. <br>
<br>With 700 participants from 13 regions representing some two million corn farmers, the Philmaize Federation of corn farmers also sought for the accreditation of Mais Partylist in congress for the coming 2010 national elections, said Romualdo Elvira Jr., executive committee chair of the 6th National Corn Congress and Philmaize Federation director. <br>
<br>Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on agriculture, and Sen. Francis Escudero, who graced the affair, declared their support for the Mais Partylist accreditation, including the other resolutions. <br><br>
The 6th National Corn Congress was held at the Albay Astrodome starting Thursday with the theme “Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities for the Corn Industry.” <br><br>Philmaize President Rod Navarro said that climate change had a major effect in corn production. He said the 6th Corn Congress has adapted the Albay declaration on climate change adaptation as a primary framework to fight against food security and disaster-risk reduction. <br>
<br>Philmaize said that proper consumption of water, power and materials would help in the sustainable use of nature’s riches. <br><br>Philmaize noted that of the 7.8 million metric tons yearly production of corn, the agriculture department subsidy for corn program is only P600 million compared to rice subsidy of P30 billion yearly whose production yearly is only 11 million metric tons. <br>
<br>There are at least 1.4 million hectares of corn farms with Region II as the biggest producer followed by Regions X and XII. Bicol region has only 40,000 hectares allocated for corn farming. <br><br>Philmaize also assails the banning of BT corn in Bacolod province after the province passed an ordinance last year that prohibits the entry of genetically modified agricultural products. <br>
<br>According to Elvira, corn production during the past year went down by 15 percent due to climate change plus the high cost of fertilizer. <br><br>Elvira said the 6th Congress concluded with the demand for the creation of the corn cooperative bank initially for regions II, X and XII. He said they are also pushing for the increase of corn prize from P7 to P13 a kilo by the National Food Authority (NFA). He added that the 6th corn congress also pushes for the additional budget by the Philippine Crop Insurance for corn farmers. <br>
<br>Among the resolutions passed was for government to impose tariff on imported feed wheat, NFA buying price from P7 to P13 a kilo, increase the budget from P600 million to P3.2 billion and increase of coverage from PCIC. <br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br><strong>4-DA UNIT BACKS DEVELOPMENT OF BIOTECH SECTOR </strong><br>by Riza T. Olchondra<br>Philippine Daily Inquirer<br>20-April-2009 </font><a target="_blank" href="http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20090419-200269/DA-unit-backs-development-of-biotech-sector"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Philippine Daily Inquirer</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">MANILA, Philippines--The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) of the Department of Agriculture plans to strengthen partnerships with the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Biotech) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to increase the value and competitiveness of traditional crops intended for local and world markets.<br>
<br>In a statement, BAR director Nicomedes P. Eleazar said that biotechnology application in agriculture was seen as a solution to problems with agricultural productivity and food security.<br><br>He said the tie-ups were meant to fast track agricultural productivity that positively and directly increases farmers’ incomes, provide access to nutritious and safer food, and help achieve a healthy environment.<br>
<br>Based at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Biotech has been promoting agricultural biotechnology that improves the ability of the industry to turn out products that cost less and are safer for family consumption.<br>
<br>The BAR statement, citing Dr. Ida F. Dalmacio of Biotech, also said there was more to agri-biotechnology than genetically modified organisms or GMOs and expounded on how biotechnology could be applied to agriculture.<br>
<br>“If applied to agriculture, it simply means the use of living organisms or part of it, to improve the productivity of crops, livestock and the fisheries,” Dalmacio said in the statement.<br><br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br>
</font><font size="2"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>AFRICA<br>5-UGANDA: MINISTRY CLEARS GM COTTON, PLANTING TO START IN MAY<br></strong>by Ronald Kalyango<br>22-April-2009 </font></font><a target="_blank" href="http://allafrica.com/stories/200904230140.html"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">AllAfrica</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Kampala — GENETICALLY Modified cotton will be planted at different sites in May and June this year, an official has revealed.<br><br>"We are on the right track. The technology providers are positive. They have visited all the sites and at last the trails which had delayed for the last seven years are going to be conducted," said Dr.Tilahun Zeweldu, who has been at the forefront of Bt. Cotton research.<br>
<br>Confined field trials are studies that are made by scientists to collect data on any new varieties developed at research stations within the country or outside.<br><br>The importation of the seeds followed the granting of an importation permit by the crop protection department of the agriculture ministry in February.<br>
<br>Speaking recently at a stakeholders meeting at Mosa Court in Kampala, the Monsanto South Africa's business development manager, Danie Olivier, said the trials would be conducted for three consecutive seasons.<br><br>
"The confined field trial will help Ugandan scientists gather information to use when the crop is commercialised," said Olivier.<br><br>The Monsanto Company is an American multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation and the leading producer of genetically engineered seed, holding 70%-100% market share for various crops.<br>
<br>It is charged with the responsibility of providing the technology which will be tested at the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) in Serere, Soroti and at the prisons farm in Mobuku, Kasese. Uganda has been targeting the Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) with a bacterium gene for tolerance to Bollworm pests and the Roundup Ready (RR) cotton with resistance to the Roundup herbicide for the control of weeds.<br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br></font><font size="2"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>GERMANY<br>6-GERMANY TO PERMIT TRIALS WITH GMO POTATO<br></strong>by Thorsten Severin, Michael Hogan and Dave Graham <br>
27-April-2009 </font></font><a target="_blank" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE53Q46620090427"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Reuters</font></a><br><br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">BERLIN, April 27 (Reuters) - Germany's Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner said on Monday she will permit test cultivat ion of a potato containing genetically-modified organisms (GMOs).<br>
<br>Open air trails of the GMO potato Amflora, developed by German chemicals group BASF presented no threat to public health or the environment, she said.<br><br>Aigner had this month said she would carry out a new review of an application for open-air trial cultivation of Amflora, which was test-cultivated on 150 hectares in 2008.<br>
<br>Earlier this month Aigner banned cultivation and sale of the GMO maize type MON 810 produced by U.S. seed giant Monsanto despite its approval by the European Union. There had been speculation that Aigner would stop the field trials of GMO potatoes.<br>
<br>Aigner said on Monday she would only permit test plantings of Amflora of 20 hectares instead of 40 hectares sought and the plantings must have extra protective fencing.<br><br>BASF warned last week a decision to stop trials could damage Germany as a location for scientific research.<br>
<br>German Chancellor Angela Merkel had said on Friday that many millions of euros had been invested in developing the Amflora potato in the hope that field trials could be made.<br><br>"This fact cannot simply be ignored because currently sentiment is hostile," Merkel had said on Friday, calling for a calmer debate on GMO crops.<br>
<br>Germany's GMO maize ban has been controversial inside Germany's ruling government coalition as there are fears it could damage scientific development in the country.<br><br>Germany's Research Minister Annette Schavan on has called a round table meeting into the future of GMO crops.<br>
<br>"We must take the fear of new technology seriously but the debate cannot be left to fear only," Schavan said earlier this month.<br><br>Monsanto, the world's largest seed company, has also started legal action against the German ban, stressing the EU has approved it as safe for commercial cultivation and sale.<br>
<br><strong>------------------------------------------------------------</strong><br></font><font size="2"><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>GLOBAL<br>7-'FARMING REVOLUTION' ON HORIZON AS SCIENTISTS SEQUENCE COW GENOME FOR FIRST TIME<br>
</strong>29-April-2009 </font></font><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1173108/Farming-revolution-horizon-scientists-sequence-cow-genome-time.html"><font color="#0000ff" size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Daily Mail</font></a><br>
<br><font size="2" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">A cow's genome has been sequenced for the first time which could pave the way to a livestock revolution, say scientists.<br><br>Experts believe understanding the genetic blueprint of domestic cows will have a major impact on livestock breeding and will help farmers boost milk production and create healthier herds.<br>
<br>The cow genome also has important implications for human health because cattle and humans have about 80 per cent of their genes in common.<br><br>The multimillion-pound project took more than 300 scientists from 25 countries six years to complete. <br>
<br>The team unraveled 22,000 genes that make up the genetic code of a Hereford cow living on a research farm in Montana, U.S.<br><br>The cow's DNA was then compared with cattle from six other breeds. This was used to analyse variations of almost 500 cows from 19 different regions.<br>
<br>As in humans, the chromosomes of cows - packages of DNA that include the genes - were found to contain large duplicated regions.<br><br>In humans, these 'segmental duplications' are associated with a range of problems including neurological disorders and birth defects.<br>
<br>But in cows they were often beneficial, affecting genes related to immunity, metabolism, digestion, reproduction and milk production.<br><br>Some of the chromosomal rearrangements are thought to explain the cow's unique ability to convert grass and other low-energy food sources into high-octane muscle, fat and milk.<br>
<br><strong><em>'Diversity'</em></strong><br>Dr Shirley Ellis from the Institute for Animal Health in Newbury, Berkshire, said: 'This important achievement provides a sound basis upon which to base future studies into the genetic diversity present in different cattle breeds and populations.<br>
<br>'It is crucial that we preserve this variation through appropriate breeding programmes in order to maintain healthy cattle populations both in the UK and worldwide that are best able to cope with climate change and emerging diseases.'<br>
<br>Cows join the exclusive club of animals who have had their genome sequences including humans, rodents and other primates.<br><br>Professor Douglas Kell, chief executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, which funded many of the UK scientists, said: 'There is a looming crisis in food production on the horizon.<br>
<br>'The inexorable growth in the global population and changing consumption patterns in the developing world mean that even before you include climate change we have to find ways to produce more food with fewer resources.<br>
<br>'We need to recognise that livestock play a key role in many people's diets. Research such as the cattle genome project underpins the delivery of sustainable and nutritious meat with the highest possible standards of animal welfare.'<br>
<br>Genome sequencing of other livestock including sheep, pigs and goats is expected to follow. <br></font><br><a class="footer"><font color="#666666" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>
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<a class="events_details"><font color="#666666" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Ormoc, Leyte<br>12 - 14 May 2009</strong></font></a><br><br><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.bic.searca.org/"><font color="#336600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>20th FCSSP Scientific Conference</strong></font></a><br>
<a class="events_details"><font color="#666666" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Siliman University, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, PHILIPPINES<br>18 - 23 May 2009</strong></font></a><br><br><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.bic.searca.org/events/index2009.html#may"><font color="#ff6600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>2nd Annual Biofuels Summit</strong></font></a><br>
<a class="events_details"><font color="#666666" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Marina Mandarin, SINGAPORE<br>25 - 27 May 2009</strong></font></a><br><br><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.bic.searca.org/events/index2009.html#july"><font color="#336600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>International Symposium on Second Green Revolution: Priorities, Programmes, Social and Ethical Issues (BIOSPECTRUM 2009)</strong></font></a><br>
<a class="events_details"><font color="#666666" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, INDIA <br>02 - 04 July 2009</strong></font></a><br><br><a class="events"><font color="#336600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>-------------------------------------------------------------</strong></font></a><font size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
</font><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.bic.searca.org/home_files/announcement/bioinnovationasia2009.pdf"><font color="#336600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>CALL FOR APPLICATION <br>
<br>Department of Agriculture, Philippines: Biotechnology Research Fellowship Program<br>8 Slots Available for Senior Scientist Research Grant and Research Fellowship Grant<br>View details here.<br><br>CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS<br>
<br>Enabling Bio-innovations for Poverty Alleviation for Asia: 2009 Small Grants Competition Program of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)</strong></font></a><font size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br><br>
</font><a class="events" target="_blank" href="http://www.bic.searca.org/"><font color="#336600" size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>2009 iBoP SMALL GRANTS COMPETITION<br><br>Open to Individual researchers and groups/institutions who are working on marginalized based of pyramid (BoP) sector issues and/or the development of S&T-related policies can apply for grants of up to 25,000 CAD (Canadian Dollars). Deadline of submission of applications is on 22 MAY 2009.</strong></font></a><font size="1" face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <br>
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