March 2014: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) has published a paper on lessons learned from experiences with the use of biotechnologies in crops, livestock and fish by smallholder farmers in developing countries.

Titled ‘Ten Lessons from Biotechnology Experiences in Crops, Livestock and Fish for Smallholders in Developing Countries,’ the paper is based on a series of case studies that investigated the use of traditional biotechnologies, such as artificial insemination and fermentation, as well as modern approaches, such as the use of DNA-based approaches to detect pathogens, by smallholder farmers in developing countries. Genetic modification was not included in the scope.

The paper draws ten lessons learned that can inform policy making to support the use of biotechnologies by smallholders, including on the role of: national and state governments in supporting smallholder farmers in using biotechnologies; funding from bilateral and international donors; international and national partnerships to translate research outputs into field outcomes; long-term investments in human capital and infrastructure; and diffusion of and access to technologies across national and regional boundaries.

The paper also finds that intellectual property rights (IPRs) did not constrain research or the production and use of biotechnology innovation. Furthermore, the use of the biotechnologies considered neither fell under biosafety regulations and standards nor revealed the need for new regulations or standards on human, animal or plant sanitary issues or labeling. [Publication: Ten Lessons from Biotechnology Experiences in Crops, Livestock and Fish for Smallholders in Developing Countries]