On September 23, the U.S. Embassy in Bern in cooperation with the U.S. Mission in Geneva and the University of Bern co-organized a high-level speaker series exploring the impact of biotechnology on the developing world. Dr. Tony Lambino from the International Rice Research Institute, Dr. C.D. Mayee from the Indian Society for Cotton Improvement (ISCI), and Dr. Andrew Kiggundu, from Uganda’s Agricultural Research Organization were among the expert speakers at the events. Speakers’ comments were underscored by an interactive discussion of how biotechnology has revolutionized agricultural productivity, increased yields, and reduced micronutrient deficiencies across entire societies. Audience participation in both Bern and Geneva was lively, well informed, addressing the challenge of adopting biotechnology in developing countries, the environmental benefits and risks of the use of biotechnology, and the promise of biotechnology in helping fight global hunger.
