Over 80 policy makers, members of the academe, government, industry representatives and other stakeholders attended the seminar on Socialization of Food and Feed Safety Assessment of Genetically Engineered Product on November 14, 2016 at Salak Tower Hotel, Bogor, Indonesia.

The second National Antibiotics Awareness Week in Viet Nam highlights the continued high level commitment of the government against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Running under the theme: Together and Stronger against AMR, the campaign brings together various sectors: health, agriculture, industry and trade, environment and natural resources, academia, local governments, communities and the public.

To increase the availability and accessibility of quality climate data in Mali an initiative titled ‘Enhancing National Climate Services’ (ENACTS) was launched recently. For the purpose, a workshop was held to introduce stakeholders to Mali weather station’s new data and web interface called the Mali Meteo Data Library and solicit their feedback.

Seasonal influenza viruses circulate worldwide and spread easily from person to person. Seasonal influenza is a serious public health problem that causes severe illness and death in high risk populations. Furthermore, an influenza epidemic can take an economic toll through lost workforce productivity and strained health services. The updated WHO fact sheets is a reminder that influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent disease.

The agricultural traditions and food culture of the Mediterranean region have long been looked to as an example of a healthy approach to eating, underpinned by vibrant rural economies. But demographic and environmental pressures — coupled with a changing climate and social and economic challenges — are now raising questions about the future of the region's much-heralded food systems and the implications for sustainable development.

An international research team has identified the mechanism by which sorghum uses the compound dhurrin to ward off pests and herbivores. Previous studies have found that sorghum releases chemicals when attacked by pests, or plant eaters. Dhurrin is one such chemical, which turns into cyanide when hydrolyzed.

We live in a golden age of information, with data readily available, and accessible at our fingertips. Some argue we have more information than we know what to do with. “When it comes to cassava, we are in the midst of a genomic revolution that is producing enormous amounts of information. CIAT’s goal is to develop the tools and skills needed to analyze all this data, and in turn accelerate and enhance the impact of international agricultural research,” explains Dr. Luis Augusto Becerra, Cassava Program Leader at CIAT.

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a license application (DIR 151) from Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) for field trial of wheat genetically modified for disease resistance, drought tolerance, altered oil content and altered grain composition.

Ethiopia is ready to commercialize Bt cotton in two years, according to Dr. Endale Gebre, director of the agricultural biotechnology unit in the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute. He explained that the confined field trial of Bt cotton in their country is currently in the final stage. The trials have been conducted for four years, testing four varieties of Bt cotton from India and Sudan.

"Let us endeavor to reach the frontiers of science like biotechnology, information and communication technology, short of which, Uganda will be left behind as it happened with the green revolution of the 60s and 70s." This was revealed by Uganda's Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, in his speech read for him by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Hon