Would
you like to make any
comment or add other information?
First posted:
18 August 2008
Tree
species being manipulated:
- rubber tree (1)
Aim
of genetic manipulation
- allow callus growth
recovery, with reduced browning and sustained GUS activity (rubber
tree) (1)
- higher latex production (2)
Those
carrying out the research
- “public research
organizations” collaborating with CIRAD (see below) (1)
Involvement
of foreign research partners
- CIRAD (Centre de
coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le
développement) – France (1)
Those
who provide support to research
- BIOTEC (see below)
- Charoen Pokphand group (2)
Field
trials
- unknown
Regulatory
framework for research and field trials
- The main actor
in Thailand’s Biosafety System is the National Center for Genetic
Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), established in 1983. Later
it was united with two other national centers in 1991 under the National
Science and Technology Agency (NSTDA). The government’s action
through BIOTEC/NSTDA “will enhance not only the national R&D
but also technology transfer and collaboration with the private sector
with the aim of commercialization.” The National Biosafety Committee
(NBC) was established in January 1993. The establishment of Institutional
Biosafety Committees (IBCs) at various research institutes has been
subsequently encouraged. As a result, many universities and government
research institutes have established their own IBCs. The Thailand
Biosafety Guidelines consist of two parts: The Guidelines for Laboratories,
and The Guidelines for Field Trials. These documents are available
in both Thai and English language versions. (3)
The management of
field-testing is achieved through cooperation with various research
institutes. The IBC is responsible for research work at its own institute,
in consultation with the NBC. The NBC acts as the Ministry of Agriculture
and Cooperatives’ (MOAC) Technical Advisory Committee with BIOTEC
as its secretariat. Application for field-testing are sent to the
Director General of the Department of Agriculture (DOA), MOAC, with
a copy to the NBC. The NBC will, after careful consideration of the
proposal, provide its recommendation to the DOA for final consideration
and approval. (3)
Organizations
opposing GE trees
-
Sources
