May 3, 2000 / from a press release
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- Canadians will have access to more
facts about the science of biotechnology and its benefits through a public
information program beginning today. The Council for Biotechnology
Information will provide a web site, toll-free consumer number,
informational materials, as well as television and print advertising. A
similar program was launched in the United States on April 3.
The Councils goal is to make it easier for people to get information
about biotechnology, answering any questions they may have and providing
them with knowledgeable perspectives from a variety of industry, academic,
scientific, government and other authoritative sources. This effort
satisfies a growing need being expressed by consumers for accurate and
balanced information on biotechnology, especially pertaining to food
production.
Recent public opinion research by the Environics Research Group and
others conclude that Canadians are requesting more information about food
safety and products developed through biotechnology, says Dr. Milly
Ryan-Harshman, an independent registered dietitian. When Canadians have
a better understanding, they are better prepared to make informed
decisions about the food they choose to purchase and consume.
Key elements of the Councils program include:
A web site (www.whybiotech.com) that features facts about biotechnology,
including data from a variety of sources, a discussion of
benefits, links to other academic, government and scientific organization
sites, and third-party expert opinions and referrals.
A focus on the science of biotechnology, including making safety data on
commercial products available through the web site; the
development of peer-reviewed expert reports; and sponsorship of a
university-managed web site containing science data that will be activated
later this year.
A toll-free consumer number (1-800-980-8660) where people can call for a
free copy of the Councils brochure, Good Ideas Are Growing.
Television and print advertising designed to raise awareness about
biotechnology, and direct people to sources for more information, starting
with the Councils web site and toll-free telephone number. The ads
feature real people who have benefited from biotechnology in medical and
agricultural applications.
Outreach to a broad cross-section of organizations and individuals that
have an interest in biotechnology.
The Council for Biotechnology Information is a coalition of seven leading
technology companies with global business interests. Four are
European-based, the remaining three are US-based. In Canada,
representatives of Aventis CropScience, BASF, Dow AgroSciences,
DuPont/Pioneer Hi-Bred, Monsanto, Novartis and Zeneca Ag Products have led
the effort to ensure messages meet the information needs of Canadian
consumers in both English and French.
The Councils program complements and extends the ongoing efforts of
several trade and industry organizations, such as BIOTECanada and the Crop
Protection Institute of Canada, that believe in biotechnologys current
and future benefits to society and are already providing people with
science-based information. As with the Council itself, these groups
support the integrity of the Canadian regulatory system to ensure the
safety of existing technologies and products.
Across Canada, the biotech industry employs 10,000 scientists and highly
skilled workers with an annual investment of close to $600 million in
advanced research and development programs, says Joyce Groote, president,
BIOTECanada. It is critical that vital information is provided to
increase the publics understanding of this valuable economic sector. The
opportunities for innovative biotech applications in the agri-food,
pharmaceutical, medical, environmental and industrial arenas are immense.
Dr. Lorne Hepworth, president of the Crop Protection Institute of Canada
agrees. In the case of food production, biotechnology has enormous
potential for creating more nutritious foods while improving the quality
of our natural environment and addressing health and hunger problems for
the worlds rapidly growing population, he says.
The Council anticipates this integrated program to be a three-to-five year
sustained effort.
(posted without permission)
