December 16, 2019

On December 4, 2019, the International Grains Council (IGC) Grains Forum: “Impact of precision breeding innovations on the grains trade”, co-organised by the IGC and Canada, was held in London in conjunction with the 50th IGC Council session.

The Forum was a great success, bringing together more than 70 delegates from 30 countries. Representatives from government, industry, and academia around the world participated in informative and forward looking sessions on the benefits and challenges of plant breeding innovations; the current global regulatory landscape; and, a panel discussion focussed on meeting the needs of global markets.

Delegates also discussed enhanced collaboration to minimise trade issues resulting from differences in regulatory oversight and exchanged views on how best to communicate with consumers on precision breeding innovations.

Nathalie Dubé, Canadian Minister-Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner, and Chairperson of the IGC, highlighted in her closing remarks the need for open dialogue along the grains value chain on products on precision breeding innovations in order to prevent disruptions in trade, and encouraged members to meet again in the future to continue the dialogue.

Website: http://www.igc.org.uk

Published: December 16, 2019