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SADC [Southern African Development Community] countries still show the least level of biotechnology development owing largely to the precautionary approach of governments in guiding the use of biotechnology in agriculture and the negative perceptions emanating from the European Union’s stand on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), researchers say.
. . . Dr Jane Morris, a South African-based biotechnology consultant says the EU’s negative perceptions on GMOs has stalled the adoption of the technology among SADC countries.
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“Africa’s needs are different from those of the EU. There are certain uniquely African problems where GM should be considered as an option . . .” says Dr Calestous Juma.
He says pursuing EU-inspired biosafety policies denies Africa the capacity to leverage biotechnology and use it to meet its own local needs.
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In 2013, Regional Agricultural and Environmental Innovations Network – Africa . . . director, Doreen Shumba-Mnyulwa, said African nations are not ready to embrace biotechnology . . .
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“. . . Most countries still have no policies on biotechnology, biosafety and do not have the capacity to monitor GMOs,” Shumba-Mnyulwa said.
Read full, original post: EU position on GMOs a blow to SADC’s food security
