www.czu.cz ; www.usab-tm.ro ; www.raupp.info

CropLife International announces the release of its new general compliance
management document for conducting confined field trials of biotech crops.
Confined field trials refer to small-scale experimental field trials of a
genetically engineered plant species performed under the terms and
conditions that mitigate impacts on the surrounding environment, September
2005.

This practical tool demonstrates industry's commitment to proper
stewardship of biotechnology products by ensuring that confined field trials
are conducted under appropriately controlled conditions and in a workable
and efficient manner. lt also assists countries by providing a model around
which national guidelines can be developed. This is particularly important
for developing countries, where regulations may not currently exist.

Biotech stewardship refers to the ethical management of a biotechnology
product from its discovery or development, through to its ultimate use and
discontinuation. The plant science industry is committed to promoting full
and effective stewardship to the field level, and believes that the
appropriate management and use of its products is an important element
underpinning sustainable agriculture and safeguarding the environment and
public health.

"We are committed to help build and strengthen research and regulatory
capacities, especially in developing countries, so that biotechnology's
benefits can be maximised, and any risks minimised," stated Christian
Verschueren, Director General of CropLife International. "This new document
is a very practical tool that is relevant for researchers, policymakers and
industry. lt provides general information, as weIl as technical guidance,
which will heip countries ensure safe and proper field research into
biotechnology products."

The document presents an overview of the current status of field trials in
developing countries, and highlights case studies from several countries
that have successfully transitioned from field-testing to commercial
approvals (Argentina, India, the Philippines and South Africa). lt also
provides useful information that may be used to ensure quality at each stage
of a field trial, including:


Transportation and storage of experimental biotech plant material
Management of the confined trial site, including reproductive isolation of
experimental species and corrective actions to take in the case of
accidental release
Harvest and disposition of materials
Management of the trial site after harvest


In addition, sample standard operating procedures and regulatory templates
are provided, which can be easily adapted to suit local needs and
conditions.

Training workshops using this guidance document are taking place around the
world, targeting government officials and representatives from public and
private sector research groups. The first took place in New Delhi, India on
9 August 2005 to coincide with a government review of its field trial
guidelines, and was attended by 115 participants. The next workshop is
scheduled to take place in the Philippines.

More information and electronic copies of the guidance document can be found
at www.croplife.org/biotechstewardship.

[www.croplife.org]

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