2004 International Biotech Conference - Day 2

Camp Des Moines
Dated: 14th Oct, 2004

2004 Biotech Tech Conference

On the first day another interesting event that I missed out was the panel of farmers, US as well as International.

While the US farmers pointed out on why they use the technology and how they have over the last 10 years co-existed with their organic neighbours. It was pointed out clearly out that all the three farmers segments, those using the technology, those not using (but are not opposed to the technology) and those growing organic are happy with the current regulatory mechanism. Also all three segments gave in their impressions on why they use the technology and how it is bringing benefits to them and their community and the society in general.

On the international panel, Mr.Jayapal Reddy, Secretary, Farmers Federation of Andhra Pradesh, India provided his experience of using biotechnology in a seed (GM Cotton) and how it has helped him and his farmer members in producing a better quality crop and making more money, while at the same time saving them selves and the environment by not spaying harmful pesticides.

Representative from South Africa, Mrs.Sabina Koza, Director, Fair Deal Trainig Centre was more enthusiastic about the use of technology and how it has helped her and her members in her co-operative make more money and save more monety for their families.

These were just a few stories of how the technology has helped those who need them the most. There are many more which we do not hear, but they are out there. It is necessary that the correct information about the advantages of the technology is made known to one and all and the right to chose be left on those who wish to use the technology for their own benefit and for the benefit of the society as a whole.

The second day of the conference was spent at Pioneer Hi Bred offices and labs looking at the research labs where the work is going on,, how the trait is selected, inserted and used in the particular crop. The panel discussion at the end of the day at the super market took the participants on a journey of the labelling jargon and how it can affect the product and the consumer.