Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Monday, 21 May 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
US Embassy Colombo is partnering with GENETECH Sri Lanka, the University of Colombo, Michigan State University, and the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka to organise an Agricultural Biotechnology Workshop May 21-25 in Colombo.
Funded by the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, the workshop aims to create awareness of the bio-safety of genetically engineered (GE) crops and promote best practices from biotechnology laboratories to farmers’ fields. Agricultural biotechnology increases farmers’ productivity, reduces the use of fertilisers, and boosts the nutritional value of crops. As a pioneer in agricultural biotechnology, the United States has created a robust regulatory framework to ensure the safety of GE crops that can serve as a model for countries seeking to address global food challenges.
The US Embassy is helping create more awareness on GE crops within Sri Lanka, and has strong cooperation with the National Science Foundation and Government of Sri Lanka. The US Embassy has assisted Sri Lanka to set up research laboratories that will allow farmers in the field to receive the newest technology to safely increase their productivity.
Three American agricultural biotechnology experts will attend the workshop. US Environmental Protection Agency Project Manager Robert Frederick, Danforth Plant Science Centre Product Development Director Mark Halsey and Institute of International Agriculture of Michigan State University Assistant Professor Dr. Cholani Weebadde will speak on the environmental safety of GE crops and how US bio-safety regulations have evolved. The workshop will also feature American experts joining via video feed as well as visiting speakers from India and Sri Lanka.
