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WorldTAP Congratulates the Participants of the 2009 International Short Courses in Food Processing, Packaging and Value Addition; Environmental Biosafety; Animal Agriculture; Molecular Plant Breeding; Biotechnology; and Biofuels!

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Biosafety - An International Short Course in Environmental Aspects of Agricultural Biotechnology

Course Dates: July 25-30, 2010 Organized by: Michigan State University - Institute of International Agriculture in Collaboration with the Plant Breeding and Genetics Program	Brochure (.pdf) Registration Form (.doc) Application Deadline Registration Fee Course Fee Contact Information
Course Rationale The new and emerging tools of biotechnology offer significant opportunities to enhance agricultural productivity, food and nutritional security, and environmental quality worldwide. Some countries have already developed and commercialized genetically engineered transgenic crops. Many developing countries have initiated biotechnology research and development programs to benefit from the new tools of biotechnology. Several developing countries are also importing products of biotechnology. To ensure that benefits are maximized and risks are minimized, nations at all levels of development are addressing the environmental and health aspects by implementing biosafety guidelines for the safe use of genetic engineering and its products. In addition, research partnerships between developed and developing nations are stimulating considerations and development of biosafety guidelines/laws that fit with international biosafety treaties and agreements. In countries where new transgenic crops are ready to be tested in the environment, national and institutional biosafety committees must first conduct a biosafety review of the planned release. It is imperative that scientists, regulators and decision makers have the science-based information, skills, and resources required to appropriately evaluate the biosafety issues inherent in the release of a particular genetically modified organism to the environment. To address these needs, Michigan State University will conduct a one- week short course in the Environmental Biosafety aspects of Agricultural Biotechnology. This course is intended to complement the one week short course in food safety. Course Description The Biosafety short course is designed to give participants a thorough grounding in all aspects of biosafety for environmental release and commercialization of genetically engineered organisms. It will cover the theory and practice of environmental risk assessment and management, and communication of benefits and risks of agricultural biotechnology applications. A major component of the program will provide practical experience in biosafety evaluation through the real world case studies covering a diverse group of crops, genes, and potential environmental concerns. A comprehensive information packet and course materials will be provided to the participants. This will include copies of lecture notes, key papers and background materials on environmental aspects of biotechnology, biosafety guidelines, biosafety related websites, and a CD containing power point presentations. The knowledge, information, and experience gained through this course will help participants contribute towards the development of environmentally sound and safe use of agricultural biotechnology. Using a participatory approach, the course will foster linkages and provide opportunities for networking among participants to exchange their experiences and establish regional collaborations Course Components Overview of Biotechnology and Biosafety Issues/Concerns Worldwide International Treaties/Agreements in Biosafety Principles of risk assessment, risk management and risk communication Factors Affecting Biodiversity, Invasiveness, and Gene Flow Possible Influences of Transgenic Crops on Non-target Organisms Pest Resistance Management Transgenic Safety Protocols and Field Testing Procedures. Key Elements and Components of Biosafety Systems Analysis and Building of Biosafety Regulatory Framework Economics of Biosafety - costs to develop and implement a Biosafety program and regulatory costs for GMO product approval and commercialization Visit to Transgenic Field Trials and Farmers growing GMOs Public perception, Communication and Outreach in Biosafety Capacity Building and Information Resources in Biosafety Instructional Staff: Course instructors are drawn from representative sectors of the agricultural and environmental biotechnology community, including research scientists from various MSU departments, other universities, private companies, regulatory officials from state and federal agencies, specialists in information resources, and individuals experienced in biosafety implementation from international perspective. Our training team has strong expertise and practical experience in all aspects of biosafety and biotechnology. Members of our training team have participated and conducted a number of training programs in both local and international settings. Application deadline: June 15, 2010 Registration Fee: $250 (Non-refundable) Course Fee: $3,000 (Course fee includes the instruction fee, information packages, local travel, meals, lodging expenses and emergency health insurance). For more information contact: Dr. C.K. Weebadde Michigan State University Phone : 517 355 0271 Extn. 1159 E-mail: weebadde@msu.edu Or Dr. K. M. Maredia Michigan State University Phone: 517 - 353-5262 Fax: 517- 432-1982 E-mail: kmaredia@msu.edu MSU is an affirmative-action, equal opportunity institution.