Safe and effective development and commercialization of bio-engineered crops in developing countries.

The project helps boost food security, economic growth, nutrition, and environmental quality in East and West Africa, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and led by Cornell University, ABSPII is a consortium of public and private sector institutions. The consortium develops innovative, pragmatic solutions, building on the successes of the Agricultural Biotechnology Supprt Project I that was led by Michigan State University.

We conduct highly participatory, priority-setting activities to ensure that product development is focused on real needs. We develop product commercialization packages for each bio-engineered country by geographical site, integrating activities on technology development, policy (including intellectual property), outreach and communication, and marketing and distribution. We create an enabling environment for regulatory and legal authorities; foster public and private partnersips to boost mtual incentives and self-sustained, long-term investments; promote improved science based public awareness of bioengineered crops; and monitor and evaluate the impact of ABSPII activities.

During the project, we expect to increase agricultural productivity in farmers fields; improve research and development capacities within collaborating institutions; increase scientists and policy makers` understanding of market regulatory enviornments and commercialization requirements of bioengineered crops; increase public awareness and understanding of bioengineered crops that address public needs.

• W. Ronnie coffman
• K. V. Raman