Technology : Regulation

Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS)

The Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) is an IFPRI-managed program that supports partner countries in Africa and Asia in the responsible development and safe use of agricultural biotechnology. PBS effectively addresses biosafety through an integrated program of research, capacity development, and outreach. PBS is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development .

PBS brochure

Regulation

Regulation of crops and food abounds. Some regulations are mandated by international treaties, such as Codex Alimentus and Convention of Biological Diversity. Others are mandated regionally or nationally. Regulations apply mainly to trade and safety, and can be contentious. This section will provide summaries of international standards and implementation of regulations in selected countries, especially countries of sub-Saharan Africa and major export markets. Timelines and difficulties for navigating regulations will be included.

References

Just, R.E., J.M. Alston, and D. Zilberman (eds). Regulating Agricultural Biotechnology Economics and Policy. Springer-Verlag publishers, 2007.

This book presents the first thorough economic analysis of current agricultural biotechnology regulation. The contributors, most of whom are agricultural economists working either in universities or other NGOs, address issues such as commercial pesticides, the costs of approving new products, liability, benefits, consumer acceptance, regulation and its impacts, transgenic crops, social welfare implications, and biosafety.

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