Science Policy Forum on Science-Based Regulation of Breeding Stacks

Genetically modified (GM) crops were initially developed by inserting single genes to confer a new trait in the crop. In many countries, rigorous safety assessment is conducted on these single traits before the products are allowed for direct use as food and feed, for processing, and in some cases, for propagation. As tremendous benefits are realized from the single traits, technology developers have combined them in various permutations to benefit the target growers and consumers. In most cases, they were combined or stacked through conventional breeding or by mating lines carrying different single traits and selecting progeny that carry them together.

In the Philippines, the regulatory system has assessed the stacked traits for interaction as an indication of potential increased risk. Other countries either do not have additional safety assessment of combined approved single traits or require a partial re-evaluation. As stacked products will continue to increase in number, it is necessary to establish a practical, science-based regulation that will facilitate prompt delivery of GM stacks to user industries without compromising safety. The Science Policy Forum on Science-Based Regulation of Breeding Stacks, which took place on January 22, 2019 in Manila, was held to provide regulators information and a science-based framework for the regulation of breeding trait stacks. During this event, Dr. Morven McLean, Agriculture & Food Systems Institute Executive Director, delivered the presentation General Principles of Science-based Registration of GM Stacks.

Agenda

Welcome Remarks
Acd. Rhodora V. Azanza, President, NAST PHL

Brief Description of Objectives
Dr. Saturnina Halos, President, Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP)

Philippine Registration of GM Plants and Plant Products under the JDC1
Ms. Ma. Lorelei Agbagala, Assistant Scientist, National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP)

Safety Evaluation of Breeding Stacks in the Philippines
Dr. Merlyn Mendioro, President, Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS)

Status of Approvals under the JDC
Mr. Abraham Manalo, Executive Secretary, BCP

Open Forum

General Principles of Science-based Registration of GM Stacks
Dr. Morven McLean, Executive Director, Agriculture & Food Systems Institute

Japanese Registration of Breeding Stacks
Dr. Hiroaki Kodama, Professor, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University

US and Canada Registration of Breeding Stacks
Dr. Luis Burzio, Bayer Crop Science USA and Member, CropLife International Stacked Traits Project Team

Open Forum
Acd. Glenn Gregorio (Moderator)

Synthesis
Dr. Violeta N. Villegas, Outstanding Young Scientist

Closing Remarks
Dr. Vivencio Mamaril, Program Director, DA-Biotech Program Office