EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 33/68

(2004/C 33 E/064)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0675/03

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler (PSE) to the Commission

(3 March 2003)

Subject: Green gene technology — developing countries

In 1999 the German NGO ‘Internationaler Landvolkdienst der Katholischen Landvolkbewegung’ (International Rural Service of the Catholic Rural Movement — ILD) was asked to consider the extent to which green gene technology might help improve food security in developing countries. Together with other non-governmental organisations, the ILD held an international hearing and two international congresses to create a broad platform for a public debate with representatives from the world of science, industry and organisations working in the field of agricultural development. The ensuing publications provide a detailed picture of the various aspects of green gene technology and also demonstrate the great need for information among the various players. This applies in particular to the ILD's project partners in the developing countries concerned. In order to continue the debate at European level, the ILD submitted its first application for funding together with a French and a Belgian partner in 2000. This application was rejected on the grounds that, firstly, the French partner was not a purely development-oriented NGO and, secondly, the ILD's annual budget of around EUR 500 000 meant that it did not have the required financial capacity. The ILD then submitted a fresh application — taking account of the Commission's criticisms — in 2002, but this application was also refused, for reasons which had not been cited previously.

1. Why is nothing being done to promote a broad grass-roots debate on green gene technology, particularly given that none of the approved projects tackles this issue?

2. Once it has been initiated, how can the discussion process be continued in an efficient way?

3. Can the Commission envisage a better way of cooperating with applicants so that any uncertainties which emerge can be clarified from the outset and projects which have been approved in principle can also meet the Commission's requirements as regards form and content?

4. Is there a country-based key for the approval of projects? If so, what form does it take?

5. How many projects have been approved during the past two years (2001/2002), and for which Member States?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(4 April 2003)

The Commission's funding of projects through budget line Β7-6000 is based on published invitations for eligible non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to present proposals for co-financing, which must conform to the criteria spelt out in the invitation. It is up to the NGOs to identify the issues they consider important when they put forward proposals to raise awareness of development issues. The area of using ‘green gene’ technologies to address the problem of food security in developing countries is one among many issues presented by NGOs.

The Commission has websites which provide information more generally on this question. In September 2001 a broad-based public consultation was launched on the general question of life sciences and biotechnology'. Around 320 contributions were received, many of which were very comprehensive. Following this consultation, a Communication was presented in January 2002 (1).

The Commission is fully prepared to co-operate with applicants, as indicated in the Call for proposals.

There is no country-based key for the approval of projects. The information on the award of funding in 2001 and 2002 is available on the website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/projects/ong_cd/ index_en.htm.

On 30 and 31 January 2003 the Commission organised the stakeholder conference: ‘Towards Sustainable Agriculture for Developing Countries: Options from Life Sciences and Biotechnologies’. More than 600 delegates from around the world attended the conference. Scientists mixed with policy-makers, development experts, farmers, young people and representatives of civil society to address the most important and controversial issues surrounding the use of bio-sciences and their ability to offer sustainable solutions for food production and the alleviation poverty. Proceedings are accessible on the dedicated website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/sadc.

The Commission supported in May 2002 the Second European Forum for Agricultural Research for Development, which took place in Rome in advance of the World Food Summit. Scientists and representatives of the civil society attended to discuss research priorities in agricultural research for development. One of the priority areas identified was the use of modern biotechnologies and development.

(1) OJ C 55, 2.3.2002.