"The potential exists for food safety issues to divert attention from the hunger problem," stated IFPRI Director General Joachim von Braun, who co-chaired the session with Esther Brimmer, Deputy Director and Director of Resarch at the SAIS Center for Transatlantic Relations.

The consultation came at a time when food safety is making international headlines, as the United States and the European Union continue to take dramatically different positions over this contentious issue. From US President George W. Bush accusing the EU of contributing to famine in Africa by opposing GM technology, to fast-food giant McDonald's requesting that their meat suppliers stop using antibiotics on animals, to protests surrounding the USDA-sponsored meetings of international agricultural ministers on agricultural science and technology in Sacramento, biotechnology and international trade are at the forefront of global debate. Though much discussion centers around conflicting US and EU policies, hunger is the bottom line for millions of people in developing countries. While the US and the EU argue, Kisamba-Mugerwa stated that their differing opinions on food safety "remain one of the major constraints to food security and maximizing the benefits of free trade" in the global economy. Kuenast added that addressing these issues now is vital because of the upcoming September World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations in Cancun, Mexico.

Roots of the problem lie in the politicization of the issue. Crawford emphasized that the "conflict of understanding" on food safety resulted "because the issued became politicized." Brimmer agreed, noting "it is harder to talk about because of the rawness of the political sensitivity, but it's very important because of the value of cultural choices." Crawford went on to cite the importance of international forums because they gather together national leaders, academicians, venture capitalists and other stakeholders. Even if they don't reach consensus," he said, "at least they are discussing the issues." He called for a science summit to bring parties together to drive discussion on the issues of food safety, food security, and trade.

Panelists agreed that talking was an important first step, but representatives from the developing countries also cited the urgent need for consensus on some things. "There can be no compromise on food safety," Lorenzo asserted. "Ambiguity in international agreements must be clarified."

In addition to reaching consensus on food safety issues, Kisamba-Mugerwa suggested "there is need to build capacity in developing countries in the field of biotechnology." Several others concurred. Ruiz noted in particular that developed countries should not lose sight of the needs of small developing countries.

"Participants frankly discussed the relation between food safety standards and concerns facing developing countries, and how such standards increase new market possibilities for trade and export. Yet the dialogue was important not only because of the issues discussed, but also because of who it brought to the table," noted session attendee Dr. Joel Cohen, visiting research fellow at IFPRI and Director of the new Program for Biosafety Systems. "To achieve progress in this discussion, voices of all countries must be heard."

Panelists stated dialogue must continue if problems of food safety, food security, and trade are to be resolved. Brown said, "I hope we'll take a long-term view and not just a short one" on the matters. Kuenast agreed, noting the WTO meetings in Cancun are only a step along the way to solving the problem: "developed and developing countries will both need to continue to do more."

For more information, contact:

• Michael Rubinstein, 202/862.5670
  m.rubinstein@cgiar.org
• Michele Pietrowski, 202/862.5679
  m.pietrowski@cgiar.org