Industry Seeks a Successful Biosafety Protocol

Vienna (ots) - The Global Industry Coalition reaffirms its support
of The goals of the Biosafety Protocol -- to ensure an adequate level
of protection for biological diversity in connection with the
international movement of genetically improved products.

Genetically improved products include seeds to grow grains,
vegetables and fruits that resist insect pests, foods with enhanced
nutritional content, pharmaceuticals that prevent and cure disease,
and even microbes that synthesize chemicals using less energy. A
workable Protocol would ensure that consumers around the world have
fair and equitable access to these benefits. This technology also
provides an opportunity for all countries to benefit through job
creation, economic growth and international competitiveness.

The Coalition is fully committed to engaging in constructive
dialogue with all participants in the informal discussions to achieve
a workable Protocol that will not disrupt the international trade of
food, pharmaceuticals and other essential products.

Coalition members believe that there are several important
elements to an effective and workable Protocol:

- Decisions should be based upon internationally accepted

scientific principles;
- Procedures should be practical, effective and timely;
- The rights and obligations of Parties under existing

international agreements
should be respected; and
- The Protocol should focus on the international movement of

genetically improved
products that may have adverse effects on biological
diversity, while minimizing
unnecessary negative impacts on both research and
development and trade.

A more detailed description of the elements essential to a fair
and workable Protocol are outlined in the attached Global Industry
Coalition Briefing Paper.

The Coalition represents over 2,200 firms in 130 countries
worldwide. Its membership includes companies from a variety of
industry sectors including plant and animal agriculture, food
production, human and animal health care, and the environment.

For more information, contact:
Global Industry Coalition
Karen Anderson at + 43-664/4875611 or Joyce Groote at +
43-664/4875658.

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