Royal Society

Transgenic Technology Could Be Key To Easing World Hunger

Leading scientists have urged private corporations and research institutions to share their knowledge of transgenic technology in order to help alleviate the problem of growing world hunger.

In a joint statement, science Academies from Brazil, China, India, Mexico, United States, the Third World Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society, have called for better food production, distribution and access in developing countries where malnutrition is widespread

They noted that new technologies, including transgenics, should be harnessed to produce more nutritious and higher-yielding food crops within reach of the estimated 800 million people around the world with limited access to food. However, they also noted that increasing production is only one part of the equation - income generation and the more effective distribution of food stocks, are equally, if not more, important.

Where these new technologies are under strict patents and licensing agreements by private corporations and research institutions, they should be shared with others to alleviate world hunger and enhance food security in developing countries, the Academies said.

In addition, special exemptions should be given to poor farmers to protect them from inappropriate restrictions in propagating their crops.

The Academies also recommend that concerted, organised efforts must be undertaken to investigate the potential environmental effects, positive and negative, of GM technologies.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, The Society has a dual role, as the UK academy of science, acting nationally or internationally, and as the provider of a broad range of services for the scientific community. It responds to individual demand with selection by merit, not by field. The Societys objectives are:

• To promote and recognise excellence in science and its application.
• To provide independent, authoritative advice, notably to UK Government, on science and engineering-related matters and to inform public debate, through studies, submissions and reports.
• To support and encourage research and its application, through research fellowships and grants to individual scientists, and to disseminate the results of research through meetings, lectures, exhibitions and publications.

For further information, contact:

Carl Smith
Press and Public Relations Unit
The Royal Society, London
Tel: 0171 451 2516