Readiness for Environmental Release of Genetically Engineered (GE) Plants in Uganda
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Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Abstract
Research and development of genetically engineered (GE) crops in Uganda was initiated
in 2003 with the launch of a national agricultural biotechnology center at Kawanda in
central Uganda. The country has now approved 17 field experiments for GE plants,
which were first established in 2006 with the planting of a banana confined field trial
that evaluated performance of plants modified to express resistance to black sigatoka
disease. Researchers leading the GE experiments have indicated that some of these GE
plants are ready for environmental release that is moving beyond confined field testing
toward commercialization. The government of Uganda, over the past two decades,
has supported processes to put in place an effective national biosafety framework
including establishment of a supportive policy environment; creation of a clear institutional
framework for handling applications and issuance of permits; building critical capacity
for risk analysis; and providing options for public engagement during decision-making.
Uganda is ready to make a biosafety decision regarding environmental release of GE
plants based on the level of capacity built, progress with priority GE crop research
in the country, and the advancement in biosafety systems. Enactment of a national
biosafety law that provides for a coordinated framework for implementation by the
relevant regulatory agencies will strengthen the system further. In addition, product
developers need to submit applications for biosafety approval for environmental release
of GE crops so that mechanisms are tested and improved through practice.
Description
Keywords
biosafety framework, biosafety capacity building, GE crops, food safety assessment, risk analysis, risk assessment
Citation
Zawedde BM, Kwehangana M and Oloka HK (2018) Readiness for Environmental Release of Genetically Engineered (GE) Plants in Uganda. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 6:152. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00152