Programme

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Biotechnology and Food: Voices from a Southern Perspective
First round: 31 October - 1 November 2001
The first round will explore the scope of four controversial issues. The goal of this round is to let participant brainstorm on those issues they consider most relevant in the discussion on genetic engineering. The moderators will choose the four most prominent issues that emerge for further in-depth discussion in round 2. An overview of the results of round 1 will be made available for participants to download.

Second round: 6-13 November 2001
Over a one week period participants will have the opportunity to enter into an in-depth discussion on the key topics that were defined in the first round. The discussion will be summarized in a report that will be presented to the Dutch Terlouw Commission for consideration in the future discussion on Dutch biotechnology policy. This report will also be available for participants to download.

What's it all about? How far can gene technology be trusted to provide a safe and sustainable solution to the problem of hunger? Should privately funded research only benefit those who funded it? Will eating genetically engineered food affect our health in the long term? Do we have sufficient scientific evidence and information to make any judgments about these issues at all?
From our experiences and the experiences of other people throughout the world we are searching for answers to such questions. In many countries changing climate conditions, natural disasters, and population pressure demand an urgent solution to the problem of food security. Genetechnology seems to offer promising solutions, but is this a technology that can be applied with trust - and if so, under what conditions?

We would like to invite you to take part in an online-event organised by The European Network University and the Biotechnology and Development Monitor , a quarterly magazine concerned with the socio-economic impacts of biotechnology in developing countries. Both organizations are based in Amsterdam. The aim of the event is to exchange experiences, explore opinions and generate new insights on the issue of genetically engineered food. This event is unique in that it aims to draw together those concerned with agriculture, food production and development in an international debate where the agenda is set by the priorities of those most closely affected by food insecurity.

Why? We have called our online debate Southern Voices. It is a response to the activity and discussion surrounding a Dutch Government initiative - The Terlouw Commission - to involve public and private interest groups in the debate about genetechnology and food. This discussion has considerable implications outside the borders of the Netherlands itself. The complexity and global character of the agricultural chain and the intensity of trade in agricultural products with developing countries means that the issue of introducing genetically modified food crops is of critical importance to policy makers, researchers, civil society organisations and consumers, throughout the South.