TAC is grateful to Dr. Richard Flavell, Panel Chair, and to the Members of the Panel on General Issues in Biotechnology for a concise and thought-provoking report that brings out the clear perception of biotechnology as a key instrument for genetic improvement. TAC concurs with the Panel that were the term "biotechnology" further defined, more useful discussion of the topic would result. TAC noted that the Panel gave strong emphasis to genomics and bio-informatics while recognizing the CGIAR strength in germplasm collections, knowledge of the mandate crops, collaborative arrangements, testing sites, and partnership with NARS. The Panel highlighted the potential role that the CGIAR Centres can play in serving the poor as foci on genomic information pertaining to crops, livestock, trees, fish, insect pests and pathogens.
TAC reiterates that the CGIAR's use of molecular genetics and other biotechnological techniques should be strategically grounded in its responsibility as trustee for the genetic materials being held. The fulfillment of these trust responsibilities should be clearly linked to its mission and to the entire range of stakeholders that the System serves. This establishes the moral, ethical and rational foundation for a mandate to fully utilize all appropriate scientific tools in serving CGIAR's ultimate beneficiaries.
The Committee endorses in general the views set out by the Panel and urges the CGIAR Members to carefully consider the report as a whole as it contains many useful recommendations and perceptions. TAC endorses in general the recommendations of the Panel and offers the following comments to supplement the Panel's work.
The Panel, for a variety of reasons, decided to concentrate its study on the applications of biotechnology for germplasm improvement. TAC recognizes that the Centres currently, and increasingly, will use molecular genetic tools for a broad range of purposes. So, while TAC recognizes the current advantage of the Panel's concentration on germplasm improvement, the ultimate scope of work of the System's work will be in terms of its mission and the opportunities through molecular science. Any policy and network activity should therefore be able to accommodate a more comprehensive use of molecular genetics. Like the Panel, TAC also considers it expedient that the CGIAR Centres have sufficient capabilities to interact effectively with others engaged in biotechnology in order to be able to incorporate and make the best use of molecular genetics and emerging technologies.
The Committee notes that the Panel has recommended that the CGIAR be instrumental in bringing about the "Genome Summit". TAC interprets this to be a Summit at a policy and administrative level rather than at a scientific level. If so, then TAC wonders whether there are other sponsors who could play a facilitating role, with the CGIAR participating where it can best serve.
TAC endorses the recommendation on biotechnology networks as a practical mechanism to strengthen information flows. If the Group endorses the recommendation, it is TAC's view that the Centres should be requested to propose models for organization (the Panel describes one model). Centre roles, and mechanisms for implementation, e.g., for coordination.
TAC recognizes that biotechnology is becoming increasingly important as a tool for genetic improvement and that the CGIAR Centres need to have in-house capabilities to make best use of these new genetic tools. The Committee would like to stress, however, that the Centres must ensure that germplasm conservation and improvement programmes continue to receive adequate attention, and that, as the Panel recommends, biotechnology and molecular genetics should be integrated with these programmes both in terms of planning and funding.
Finally TAC notes that while the Panel did not focus on biosafety issues but referred to the Report of the World Bank Panel on transgenic crops, "Bio-engineering of Crops", by Kendall et al. the Panel has strongly advocated the implementation of "Duty of Care" Committees whose task would include the assurance that appropriate safeguards are being met. TAC is impressed with the role that such Committees could play.
