AFRICABIO POSITION STATEMENT ON MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY
In view of the global public debate surrounding modern biotechnology,
AfricaBio and its members wish to state its position clearly by endorsing
the following principles :
- That the proven and potential benefits of modern biotechnology are
accepted as one of the scientific tools to increase food production
efficiency, to ensure sustainable agriculture and the development of new
products from and uses of plant varieties.
- That food and feed
derived from genetic modified organisms have a proven safe track record
and that public statements to the contrary lack scientific credibility.
- Promoting the Safe research, handling and application of modern
biotechnology.
- AfricaBio members are required to sign an Ethical
Code of Practice.
- Biosafety measures (considered adequate at
present) need to evolve with technological developments and to harmonize
with national requirements and international protocols.
- Ongoing
public awareness based on factual information is required to enable
consumers to make informed decisions.
- Education and training,
starting in early school years, are required to ensure capacity building
and to develop an understanding of the technology.
- The principle of
labelling of foodstuffs, voluntary or mandatory, is supported, provided
that it is science-based, practical and enforceable; and that
verification and certification are carried out by competent, accredited
bodies, using reliable techniques.
The Concept
As the debate surrounding biotechnology grows daily, it has been brought to the attention of stakeholders involved in the various biotech sectors within South Africa, that the formation of a biotechnology association for these sectors, is now of vital importance.
The following information on the newly formed organisation called AfricaBio, is not exhaustive, but provides the background of the organisation.
Mission:
AfricaBio seeks to promote the safe, ethical and responsible research, development and application of biotechnology and its products.
i. Why do we need such an organisation?
- There is no recognised independent body in South Africa proactively providing accurate information on all aspects of biotechnology.
- Currently, in South Africa, the debate is focussed on biotechnology issues within the agri-food sectors. As the scope of the debate has widened, AfricaBio has modified its mandate to encompass all biotech issues.
- The GMO Act 15 of May 1997 was not implemented until 1st December 1999. A fact which caused most of the negative sentiments surrounding regulation of the technology. Ignorance of the existing legislation could be alleviated through an association, which has the ability to communicate with interested parties. All interested parties would have a central point of contact where accurate, objective information can be obtained.
- Decision-makers at all levels of society are not well informed about the technology.
- There are proactive organisations in South Africa readily providing negative information about the technology and its products.
- There is a lack of unity within industry and within government departments on biotechnology issues and South Africa does not have a national biotechnology policy.
ii. Who does AfricaBio represent?
All sectors within South Africa involved with, or with an interest in all aspects of biotechnnology:
- Retailers
- Processors
- Growers
- Producers
- Related associations and forums (e.g. SANSOR, AVCASA)
- Research organisations
- Tertiary education institutes
- Importers
- Exporters
- Schools
iii. What kind of organisation is AfricaBio?
A non-profit section 21 company, with a dedicated secretariat, executive director and board of directors. The following working groups for AfricaBio have been identified:
- Scientific, Research and Development.
- Public Relations, Media and Public Perception.
- Education and Training.
- Producers, Manufacturers, Retailers and Traders.
- Government and Regulation.
- International Networking.
iv. What are its objectives?
The immediate objectives of AfricaBio are:
- Informing key biotechnology stakeholders (e.g. ministers, executive council members, nd parliamentary portfolio committees and industries in the food, feed and fibre sectors).
- Providing accurate information on biotechnology to the media and general public.
- Providing international organisations lobbying for or against biotechnology with information on the need for this technology in South Africa and Africa.
v. Overall objectives include:
- To provide expert advice to specific ministries and administrations.
- To provide information on national and international regulatory legislation that can influence the use, production or marketing of biotechnology products.
- To provide current information and supportive measures to its members to ensure that biotechnology is accurately represented at all levels of society.
- To provide information to all members and interested parties on key issues affecting biotechnology in South Africa.
- To provide regular forums for exchange of information.
- To facilitate research and development, education and training projects required by members.
vi. What does AfricaBio offer?
AfricaBio seeks to provide a platform that brings together all groups active in the food chain in one forum to debate the issues surrounding biotechnology. Services for each category of member, are shown below:
Business Members
- Discount on training.
- Full information and communication.
- Free biannual reports.
- Free newsletters.
- Promotion by AfricaBio for the further development of a biotechnology industry.
- Linkages to international organisations.
- Biannual government interactive forum.
- Stakeholder dialogue/liaison.
Research Organisation Members
- Biannual industry/research interactive forum.
- Biannual government interactive forum.
- Identified research projects.
- Full information and communication.
- Free newsletters.
- Free biannual reports.
- Stakeholder dialogue/liaison.
Professional Members
- Identified research projects.
- Free information and communication.
- Free newsletters.
- Stakeholder dialogue/liaison.
Associate Members
- Full information and communication.
- Free newsletters.
Schools/scholar Members
- Teacher training workshops.
- Learner modules on internet or distributed.
- Involvement in biotechnology debate.
Board of Governors
- Dr D Keetch (President)
- Mr. B M'Poko (Congo)(Vice-President)
- Prof. M O Makinde (Nigeria)
- Mr. K Mbijjewe (Kenya)
- Mr. Peter Pickering
- Prof. J Thomson
- Dr G Thompson
- Mrs W. Serobe
- Mr. P. Rammutla
- Mr. W. de Greef
- Prof. J Webster (Executive Director),
vii. What does it cost to belong to AfricaBio?
Please print this PDF file and fill out the form to register.
FEE STRUCTURE AND VOTING RIGHTS FOR MEMBERS | |
| Admission Fees |
| (for all members in Africa) | R250-00 once-off |
| (for all members outside of Africa) | US $100-00 once-off |
| Annual Membership Fees | #Cost (Excl. VAT) | Voting Rights* |
| for Ordinary Members | | |
| - Business Members | R6 000-00 | 5 Votes |
| - Research Organisations | R3 000-00 | 2 Votes |
| - Professional Members | R 100-00 | 1 Vote |
| for Associate Members | | |
| - Trade Organisations | R3 000-00 | No Vote |
| - Associate Companies | R1 000-00 | No Vote |
| for Students | R 50-00 | No Vote |
| for Schools | R 50-00 | No Vote |
| for Honorary Members | R 0 | No Vote |
* All members outside of South Africa do not have voting rights, but may serve on committees/working groups if registered as an ordinary member.
# These fees are the same for members in Africa. For those outside of Africa, the fees are in US dollars e.g. instead of R6 000-00 for business members, it will be $6 000-00.
viii. Some of the Achievements of AfricaBio
- Over a hundred Members.
- Media interaction.
- Proactive communication strategy
- Interacted with government departments on biotechnology issues.
- Consumer awareness projects.
- Training programmes.
- Research projects.
- African and international networks.
- Delivered presentations to industry and consumer groups
- Recipient of the 2003 national award for an outstanding contribution to Science and Technology over three years in the NGO category
ix. Some of the current projects of AfricaBio include:
- Communication with media, public and stakeholders.
- Consumer research.
- Consumer conferences and Information days.
- Biotechnology training programmes for industry and government.
- Africa and international networking.
- Small-scale farmer project.
- Participation in Codex.
- Provision of support to government on the development of a national biotechnology policy.
