Progressive farmers and key stakeholders (media, government, scientists, private sector and academe) from different Asian countries recently visited the Philippines to learn about adoption and commercial propagation of biotechnology crops.

More than 50 participants enhanced their knowledge on the basics, benefits, best practices and Philippine biotechnology regulatory schemes through lectures, video showing, visits to greenhouse/confined trials and biotech facilities at the International Rice Research Institute and University of the Philippines Los Baños and commercial biotech farm visits.

Dr. Emiliana Bernardo, eminent entomologist and Team Leader of the Insect Resistance Advisory Team shared her experiences in the assessment of Bt corn prior to commercial approval in the country. Likewise, Ms. Rosalie Ellasus, farmer from Northern Philippines, shared her personal experience in planting biotechnology crops and the benefits she and her family derived from adopting the products.

The Farmer’s Exhange Program started in 2007 and has been a platform of knowledge sharing and exchange on crops agricultural biotech through first-hand sharing of experiences.

This year’s event, held last March 23-26, was successfully organized by the CropLife Asia, Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines, CropLife Philippines and the SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center.

For additional updates on biotechnology in the Philippines, please visit www.bic.searca.org or e-mail bic@agri.searca.org. (Jenny A. Panopio, SEARCA BIC)

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Jenny A. Panopio
Special Project Coordinator & Network Administrator
Biotechnology Information Center
SEAMEO SEARCA
College, Laguna 4031
Email: jap at agri.searca.org
Tel: (63-49)536-2290 loc 169 or 406
Tele/Fax: (63-49)536-4105
URL: www.bic.searca.org