Publications /  Annual Report 1998

Much public concern has been expressed regarding the biosafety of genetically modified organisms. CIP feels that, with proper care and diligence, crop genetic engineering offers a viable means of feeding a world population predicted to double over the next half century.

CIP is careful to ensure that its biotechnology research meets accepted international safety standards. In addition, the Center complies with all legal requirements in the countries where such work is carried out. CIP has a Biosafety Committee that rigorously oversees all experimentation on genetically modified plants according to established Rules of Conduct. The Center is transparent in its work, suitably labels all materials, and will always err on the side of caution in matters of biosafety.

Concerns about transgenic crops are twofold: they relate to potential risks to consumers, as well as to the environment. CIP diligently addresses these concerns in planning and implementing any work with genetically modified material.

When transgenic plants are being developed, hybridization between them and related or other wild species is eliminated during field trials by removing the flower buds daily from the plants, destroying all foliage at harvest, and monitoring the environment. One concern is that genetically modified varieties could be deployed in proximity to either the potato or the sweetpotato centers of diversity. Male sterile genotypes can be used to minimize risks of geneflow to native genepools, according to guidelines established at an international workshop in 1995.

Other concerns voiced worldwide relate to intellectual property rights (IPR) over genetic resources, materials genetically improved through classical plant breeding, materials modified by genetic engineering, and agricultural processes and technologies. CIP, in common with the other international centers of the CGIAR, is adamant that its materials, products, innovations, and technologies be freely available to beneficiaries in developing countries. The CGIAR has endorsed guidelines on use of plant genetic resources and the related IPRs to promote unrestricted access to this material. On the other hand, if IPR protection proves necessary to safeguard the availability of materials or techniques to developing countries, CIP will pursue that option.

In this spirit, CIP’s policies with respect to genetic resources and IPR are consistent with the articles of the Convention on Biological Diversity. In addition, through an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the CGIAR Centers have ensure that germplasm will be freely distributed for research purposes.

CIP will continue to require that commercial and other private entities seeking IPR protection for varieties with substantial CIP contributions obtain consent from the Center. This consent will only be given if there is a benefit for the original providers of the genetic resources that contributed to the varieties, or if the varieties will be made freely available to the developing world. At the same time, CIP receives and uses materials under the IPR protection of others. It does so through clear agreements that spell out the restrictions and constraints on the use of that material by the Center and its partners. CIP will only use such materials if there is a reasonable expectation that the resulting products will be available for distribution, or if the research results from the use of the materials will benefit the developing world.