ISHS Acta Horticulturae 642: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Horticulture, Art and Science for Life - The Colloquia Presentations
INTRODUCTION TO THE TORONTO FORUM ON HORTICULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT |
| Authors: | R.L. Sawyer, L.G. Wilson |
| Keywords: | Biotechnology, international development |
| Abstract:
The word globalization is frequently used these days and we are already global with transportation, communication, and even terrorism it seems! However, we are far from thinking globally with respect to many important subjects and agricultural research is one such area. Essential linkages are missing for the global approach to agricultural research and the building of food production capacity that is needed today. Some countries are still talking about self-sufficiency with food production. Some of these are spending much more for local grain production than the cost to purchasing that grain on the international market. Nonetheless, important progress is being made on at least one front which is the topic for this Forum - the success of the centers associated with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) to grasp the potential of biotechnology and molecular genetics to improve horticultural crops around the world. The CGIAR system has been in place for nearly four decades, being conceived and instituted during a time when major famines were expected. The Ford and Rockefeller Foundations initiated research efforts on the three major cereal crops, rice, wheat and corn, followed shortly by Centers to conduct research on tropical agriculture in Africa and Latin America. The CGIAR system grew rapidly during the 1970's with funding available for almost anything that appeared reasonable. Major progress was made on many fronts with these priority food crops over the next 30 years. Fortunately, the expected famines did not appear and during that time many horticultural crops were added to the research agenda. Issues with respect to fish, forests, and a range of environmental issues were also addressed. Gene banks were established for most of the major food crops so that germplasm would be available for the changes in climate, uses and needs. The new tools of biotechnology and genetic engineering have entered the picture in recent years and present a major potential for helping solve priority problems with food and environment in the new century. They are seen as being highly appropriate within the context of addressing the present priorities of the CGIAR centers worldwide which are:
The intent of this Forum was to call attention to what the CGIAR is doing to improve horticultural crops using the tools of biotechnology. As will be pointed out by the presenters, this work often involves university cooperators in the developing world as well as collaborators in the economically advanced countries. Increasingly, this research realm illustrates the benefits than can be gained from a global approach to agricultural research. | |
