BRUSSELS - 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.

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.