The Agbiotech bulletin vol. 3, issue 6, June, 1995

The Agbiotech Bulletin Volume 3, Issue 6, June, 1995 Code Number: NL95024 Sizes of Files: Text: 50K No associated graphics Minding the Store: Regulating Agbiotech Agriculture and food regulators are often the 'man in the middle' castigated by interest groups for being too lenient and harangued by industry for being too slow and demanding. But over the years of minding the store, the regulatory system has definitely 'produced the goods'. News PGS International Announces Canadian Canola Approvals Plant Genetic Systems (PGS) International has announced that its new hybrid canola varieties have received environmental and feed safety clearance from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. This approval follows last year's clearance of the variety by Health Canada. Novel Beef-Breeding Strategy Explored at Brandon Biotech Developments at Guelph Artificial 'seeds' are being developed for the $500 million dollar herb industry in North America by University of Guelph researchers. New Ethanol Facilities Opening A 50 million litre per year ethanol plant will be built in Cornwall, Ontario by Seaway Valley Farmers Energy Co-op. Canada To Aid Rwandan Research Reconstruction Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has launched a two-year, $500,000 project to assist the national reconstruction of Rwanda in the wake of civil war. Fast Plants Developed A Brassica rapa variety developed by interbreeding the 'fastest' species of Brassica accessions in the USDA's National Germplasm System flowers in 14 days and completes seed production in 35 days. Delay on rbST Ends on Canada Day The one year voluntary delay on the sale of rbST in Canada ends on July 1 of this year, however, sale of the recombinant cattle hormone will not commence unless the product has been given official Notice of Compliance by Health Canada by that date. Biotech Institute Launched in Singapore The newly-established Institute of Molecular Agrobiology (IMA) in Singapore is intended as a focal point for world-class research at the genetic and molecular levels. Events Public Expectation and the Corporate Sector Biotech Commercialization in Developing Countries. American Plant Physiologists Annual Meeting Engineering Plants for Commercial Products AgBiotech International Conference (ABIC) in Saskatoon 4TH International Conference on Plant Genetic Resources Trends The Research University in the 21st Century Fundamental changes in the nature of world society, such as the end of the cold war, are redirecting the course of universities, according to Paul Schimmel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Alliances Canada-Latin American Initiative on Biotech Take Some Canola and Call Me in the Morning Tech Transfer AgCanada Expanding TechTransfer Activities New Environment for Research Support Agricultural research today is subject to a new set of ground rules. More Business Savvy Needed The stronger market orientation of agricultural research today necessitates that scientists develop more business savvy, says Yassa. 'Scientists must learn to function in a market-driven economy. They have to understand current business principles and problems.' Plant Transformation by Gene Transfer into Pollen British Technology Group (BTG) USA is entertaining discussions with regard to the licensing of a technology that allows for the production of transformed plants from seeds that have been produced by pollination using transformed pollen. Finance Saskatchewan Backs R&D Initiatives Saskatchewan's economic development strategy is placing renewed emphasis on R&D initiatives, including biotechnology. Western Economic Development Initiatives A number of initiatives of interest to the biotech sector have emerged from the new approach to economic development in the West announced by Western Development (WD) Minister Lloyd Axworthy in response to the recent federal budget. Royal Facilitates Exporter's Collection Process An easy-to-use service provided by the Royal Bank helps Canadian exporters prepare direct collection orders. Foreign Affairs Launches Electronic Trade Service The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has initiated a BBS project. New Contracting Process at CIDA The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has established a new process aimed at allowing more Canadians an opportunity to apply for contracts involving international development activities. Issues Issues Around Patents Assessed People, Plants and Patents is a new book on the impact of intellectual property on trade, plant biodiversity and rural society. Attitudes Consultation on Biotechnology Proposed A major process of public consultation on biotechnology has been proposed by a stakeholders group convened by the federal government's interdepartmental working group on biotechnology. Industry Needs Strategy to Boost Acceptance of Biotech Canadians are generally unaware of biotechnology, according to Rick Walter of the Canadian Institute of Biotechnology. Legal Notes Plant Protection Regulations Amended Amendments being proposed for regulations under the federal Plant Protection Act would affect the import and export of biologicals, seeds, plants, grain and pests, among other products. Brown Bag Sales Clarified by US Court A recent US Supreme Court decision (Asgrow vs. Winterboer) will be of interest to plant breeders. European Patent Developments The European Parliament voted in March against a directive which would have allowed the patenting of genetically-altered organisms, according to a report in SeedTrade News. Resources Biotech Educational Materials Available Canadian Ed Centres in Asia Nearly 100,000 foreign students the majority from Asia choose to study in Canada each year. They contribute $3 billion to the Canadian economy and help to generate some 19,000 jobs within Canada. Report of the rBST Task Force The Review of the Potential Impact of Recombinant Bovine Somatatropin in Canada has been completed and is available for review. Biotech & Plant Cultures Reviewed Biotechnological Applications of Plant Cultures is a new publication which presents the most updated reviews on current techniques in plant cultures. Getting Ready to Go Global The Management Development Initiative (MDI) is part of Getting Ready to Go Global, a campaign to improve the competitiveness of Canadian food and beverage processors in domestic and export markets. Evaluating Traditional Environmental Knowledge The book Capturing Traditional Environmental Knowledge is a product of an unusual workshop held in the Northwest Territories. People Watch Copyright 1995 Agbiotech Bulletin