In many developing countries, funding for research in agriculture is being reduced, and often research is being privatized, with the consequent risk that it could be aimed mainly at resource-rich farmers. In addition to technical considerations, priority setting should take into account national development policies, private sector interests and market possibilities. Different stakeholders should be involved in the formulation of national biotechnology strategies, policies and plans. Infrastructure and capacity . For research to be truly productive, there must be a critical mass of expertise, knowledge and facilities.
Biotechnology is no exception.
Biotechnology research requires skilled staff, backed up by well-equipped laboratories with proper working conditions, a constant supply of good quality water, a reliable electricity supply, and organized institutional support . A minimal technology base is needed to adapt technology tried and tested elsewhere to local ecological and production conditions. Biotechnology research needs strong and organized outreach services and suitable institutions and infrastructures to facilitate its application. In commercial applications, such as floriculture, it also generates much-needed employment, particularly for women. Since most biotechnology research is conducted in industrialized countries, very often by private companies, developing countries may have to pay to use a new procedure or product.