Per Pinstrup-Andersen
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Developing countries and their low-income people could benefit significantly from the development and use of modern biotechnology in agriculture within a proper biosafety regime. However, international agreements on biosafety, biodiversity, and trade, over which poor countries and poor people have little influence, could reduce or enhance such benefits. Every effort should be made to assure that the voice of the poor and food insecure is heard at relevant international fora.

Key words: Modern biotechnology; trade; agricultural biotechnology; developing countries; food security.