Focus Session: Regulatory Frameworks to Facilitate Agricultural Biotechnology in the KSA

Speakers

Session Moderator

Prof. Brande Wulff, Associate Professor of Plant Science and Faculty Member of the Center for Desert Agriculture, KAUST

Panelists

Dr. Peter Slade, Head of Regulatory Affairs Food Department, NEOM

Dr. Jonathan Jones, Senior Scientist, Sainsbury Lab & Professor, University of East Anglia

Prof. Salim Babili, Professor of Plant Science and Faculty Member of the Center for Desert Agriculture, KAUST

Key messages

1. There is some confusion about what the current legislation is on biotech crops in KSA.

2. For legislation on importation, exportation, and planting of biotech crops in KSA we need a clear distinction between (i) research and (ii) commercial production.

3. KSA needs to be in a position to issue phytosanitary certificates so that Saudi research scientists can seamlessly share germplasm resources (whether GM or not) with international collaborators.

4. Failing to act on the above would be at the risk of driving innovation and talent out of KSA, and could adversely affect the economy and future food security of KSA.

Recommendations

1. Establish an experimental station in KSA where researchers from Saudi institutions can conduct field trials with biotech crops.

2. Test the system (i.e. legislations) as soon as conveniently possible by conducting a GM field trial in KSA.