The TAC commissioned an FAO consultant to survey the current situation of agricultural and forest biotechnology in Chile. The number of students in the existing training programmes in biotechnology is limited. However, the survey also indicated that a significant number of Chileans abroad are willing to return, or to cooperate in the development of biotechnology in Chile. 80 Per cent of these laboratories are part of universities, and therefore have strong teaching commitments. The equipment of the laboratories varies significantly.
Chile has no specific legislation to regulate the development and use of biotechnology.
Instead, general laws addressing the trade of seed and plant sanitation are applied to the release of transgenic organisms in the environment. Other legislation, such as the plant breeders' rights act and the patent act are also applicable to agricultural biotechnology. An increasing amount of competitive grants are available for Chilean scientists. However, there are no clear priorities and there is no formal coordination among granting agencies or research institutes. Additionally, the linkages between research and the productive sector are almost non-existent.