Brussels, Belgium
30 March 2011

CropLife International has launched a new online Detection Methods Database available at www.detection-methods.com to serve as a global resource for testing information for commercialised biotechnology-derived plant products. The website makes reliable, up-to-date testing methods readily available to the public. These testing methods have been developed by the same technology companies that deliver biotechnology traits to the market.
“Although other detection methods are publicly available, we’ve developed the Detection Methods Database to be a centralised and easily accessible database of the most comprehensive and accurate testing methods that currently exist,” says Dave Grothaus, Seed Quality and Detection Platform Lead, Monsanto Company, and project lead for the online Detection Methods Database.

The online resource was created primarily for use by government regulators and policy makers seeking valid detection methods and reference materials and seed companies that wish to test their products. The database provides detection methods and related materials information; creates an efficient process for testing services to license the detection methods directly from the technology providers for their proprietary technologies; and grants complimentary access to the detection methods for regulatory agencies and seed companies worldwide. All of the specific detection methods are fully searchable by crop, developer, product, event and protein.
“Biotechnology traits in the marketplace are becoming increasingly complex and require very specialised and accurate detection methods,” said Greg Dana, Regulatory Operations Director, Biotech Affairs & Regulatory, Pioneer Hi-Bred, and Chair of CropLife International’s Detection Methods Project Team. “We believe regulators and the value chain worldwide will see great value in accessing credible detection methods from a single and definitive source.”

“By sharing industry-developed and reliable, validated detection methods, we hope to help facilitate global harmonisation of testing efforts and to support smooth trade transactions in the agricultural value chain,” said Denise Dewar, Executive Director for Plant Biotechnology at CropLife International.

Website: http://www.croplife.org

Published: March 31, 2011