News Service

04-01-05

Leading experts to discuss biotech policies and safeguards at ISU symposium April 19

AMES, Iowa -- Issues surrounding the safe production of genetically modified foods will be discussed by leading experts at the second annual symposium of Iowa State University's Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products (BIGMAP), April 19.

Environmental, health and trade policy advisors will join scientists and industry representatives to present updates at "Biosafety Policies, Assessment and Communication." The symposium will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Gateway Center, U.S. Highway 30 and Elwood Drive, Ames.

"This year's symposium will focus on three issues critical to the future of agricultural biotechnology -- policies and regulations; safety assessments and risk communication," said Manjit Misra, director of BIGMAP. "Safety assessment and communication are important to safeguard the consumer and the environment, while science-based policies and regulations are key to movement of biotechnology products in the world."

Symposium speakers and topics include:

• "Assessing safety of bioengineered foods," James Maryanski, biotechnology coordinator, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Md.
• "Codex activities for biotechnology risk assessment," Mireille Prud'homme, director, Bureau of Food Policy Integration, Health Canada, Ottawa
• "Environmental impact statement and other APHIS-BRS activities," Michael Wach, environmental protection specialist, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service -Biotechnology Regulatory Services, Riverdale, Md.
• "Department of State biotechnology activities," Jack Bobo, trade policy advisor on biotechnology, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.
• "Understanding consumer attitude toward food biotechnology," Cheryl Toner, director, Health Communications, International Food Information Council, Washington, D.C.
• "The social construction and political amplification of biotechnology risk," Wes Jamison, associate professor of agriculture and director of the Agricultural Stewardship Center, Dordt College, Sioux Center
• "Confined production of plant manufactured pharmaceuticals," Stacy Charlton, manager, Regulatory Affairs, Syngenta; and chair, Future Needs Committee, Plant Manufactured Products Work Group, Biotechnology Industry Organization, Research Triangle Park, N.C.
• "Assessing safety of pharmaceutical proteins for plant expression," Gabriele Ludewig, assistant professor of occupational and environmental health; and Andrea Adamcakova-Dodd, research assistant, occupational and environmental health, University of Iowa, Iowa City
• "Confinement systems analysis," Jeff Wolt, professor of agronomy and BIGMAP biotechnology risk analyst and Paul Christensen, visiting scientist, Seed Science Center, Iowa State

The symposium is co-sponsored by Iowa State's Plant Sciences Institute and Institute for Food Safety and Security.

The symposium is open to the public. Registration fee is $100 and includes lunch.

Reduced fee registrations are available for faculty and graduate students. Registration can be made online at http:// www.bigmap.iastate.edu, or by calling (515) 294-6222. For general questions and information, call 515-294-3597.

BIGMAP provides science-based analysis of the risks and benefits of genetically modified plant and animal products. It provides guidance and education to help safeguard consumers and the environment.

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Quick look

Environmental, health and trade policy advisors will join scientists and industry representatives to present updates at "Biosafety Policies, Assessment and Communication." The symposium will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Gateway Center, U.S. Highway 30 and Elwood Drive, Ames. It is presented by Iowa State University's Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products (BIGMAP).