The AgBiotech Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 3, May/June 1993

The AgBiotech Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 3, May/June 1993 Published by AG-WEST BIOTECH INC. Code: NL93008 Size of Files: Text: 40K Graphics: No associated graphics files Contents Farm Survey Shows Ag-Biotech Support A new survey of over 550 farmers commissioned by Ag-West Biotech Inc. indicates that producers in the three prairie provinces feel there are strong potential benefits generated by agbiotech. Regulatory Review Update Agriculture Canada is doing an extensive review of all of its regulations some of which will have some impact on biotech. Continued consultation with Ottawa officials will ensure appropriate regulations for agbiotech. 1993 Federal Budget Highlights On April 26, 1993, the Hon. Don Mazankowski, Minister of Finance, delivered his government's 1993 budget which contains several income tax items of interest to the biotech community. * Patents and Licences * R & D Benefits * Elimination of Annual Limit for Claiming Investment Tax Credits * Non-resident Withholding Taxes Synthetic Seeds of Forest Trees Dr. Steve Attree, a Professional Research Associate in Professor Larry Fowke's laboratory in the Biology Department, University of Saskatchewan, is developing new methods for propagating Canadian forest trees (conifers) using tissue culture. Dr. Attree is using a technique known as somatic embryogenesis. Improved ROI for R & D The American Small Business Administration recently published a report demonstrating that the rate of return on R & D investments is superior for small companies. Biotech Paper from CFA The Canadian Federation of Agriculture presented a fact paper on agricultural biotechnology at its annual meeting. * Social Impacts Network Notes Institute for Science in Society Calgene - Field Testing of Genetically Engineered Canola ABC Conference - Raleigh, North Carolina Limagrain Chang Chun Delegation Commercialization in a Developing Economy Pioneer Hi-Bred A-STEP Hoechst Documentary Released Biostar Inc. Monsanto National Research Council People Watch CIBA Seeds Plant Biotechnology Institute (PBI) MicroBio RhizoGen (MBR) Agriculture Canada Saskatchewan Research Council Plant Biotechnology Institute (PBI) Entrepreneur Recognized Expert Committee on Weeds Weed Science Society of America Canadian Exporters' Association Canadian Research Management Association Legal News Plant Breeders' Rights Act Amended On March 4, 1991, Canada became a party to the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) as revised in 1978. The Plant Breeders' Rights Act came into effect in Canada on November 6, 1991 following the publication of Regulations for canola, chrysanthemums, potatoes, roses, soybeans and wheat. Amendments to Biotech Regulations at USDA's APHIS A final rule is now in effect amending USDA's biotech regulations. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has added notification and petition processes, as options in the existing framework for the introduction of certain genetically engineered plants. Biotechnology Awarenes