Business Potential for Agricultural Biotechnology - Asian Productivity ...

Business Potential for Agricultural Biotechnology Products in Thailand
Policy on Production
Thailand has not yet produced genetically modified plants, animals, or microorganisms or
used genetically modified organisms in production processes for trade unless scientifically sound
evaluation has been conducted to guarantee the biosafety of activities.
Policy on Human Resources and Technical Development
Supports developing and strengthening the capacity of research and production using genetically
modified technology for food and agricultural products to ensure self-reliance, effectiveness,
and competitiveness and takes into account the issue of safety for consumers and the environment.
Promotes development of knowledge and experience for those associated with monitoring
genetically modified food and agricultural products in research, laboratory analysis, biosafety
evaluation, and risk assessment.
Policy on Biosafety Evaluation
Biosafety evaluations and risk assessments of genetically modified food and agricultural
products are to be carried out on a scientifically sound basis using basic transparent procedures.
Policy on Trade
Importation and domestic distribution of genetically modified food and agricultural products
are subject to prior biosafety evaluation and risk assessment. Supporting preparation for the
export of genetically modified food and agricultural products guarantees that their safety has
been certified and is in accordance with rules, regulation, conditions, and demands of trading
partner countries.
Policy on Public Relations
Promotes collecting, analyzing, and promoting the compilation and dissemination of news
and information on scientific issues, trade, governmental regulations, and procedures and findings
on genetically modified food and agricultural products in Thailand and other countries and
distributing this information to involved parties and the general public to ensure correct understanding
of issues. These activities are carried out in an objective and transparent manner.
Policy on Participation
Supports partnerships between the public and private sectors, both domestically and internationally,
in the implementation of policies related to genetically modified food and agricultural
products and provides support for the formulation of clear guidelines on genetically modified
food and agricultural products.
The research and development policy of “giving the public choices” was introduced in
2005. Research and development in genetic engineering as well as biosafety are considered vital,
as is capacity building in both areas. This will be accomplished through cooperation and networking
between institutes. Alternative approaches to adding value to existing crops, such as cut
flowers and oil-containing crops, are also encouraged. Lastly, public education about GMOs will
be promoted. Universities are encouraged to participate.
STATUS OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF
AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
Although biotechnology has been commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries,
it has only recently been seen as a tool for agricultural improvement. Traditionally, research
and development of agricultural biotechnology was done primarily by the public sector—
universities and government organizations. Funding was primarily through government organizations,
including the Ministry of Agriculture and Agriculture Cooperatives, the Ministry of
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