INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Caracas Proposals for Fy 2010 Biotechnology Outreach

Published: Tue 19 Jan 2010 05:31 PM
VZCZCXYZ0006
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHCV #0045 0192241
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 191731Z JAN 10
FM AMEMBASSY CARACAS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0299
INFO RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS
RUEHRC/USDA FAS WASHDC
UNCLAS CARACAS 000045
SIPDIS
EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT FOR MSZYMANSKI AND JBOBO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ECIN ETRD TBIO KPAO
SUBJECT: Caracas Proposals for FY 2010 Biotechnology Outreach
Strategy and Department Resources
REF: 09 STATE 122732
1. (U) This cable contains Post's proposals for biotech outreach
in response to State 122732.
2. (U) Though the GBRV has not granted approval for biotechnology
crops, there is significant interest and research from government
institutions and universities on its development. Despite the
government's reluctance towards biotechnology, Venezuelan producers
continue to express their need and acceptance of biotech products.
Venezuela presents an opportunity to further encourage agricultural
biotechnology to address food security and increased production.
By uniting different participants in the industry, there is an
opportunity to further their cooperation as well as the use of
biotechnology.
3. (U) Collaborating with the United States Department of
Agriculture, Post recommends the following proposals aimed at
tackling obstacles to biotechnology propagation in Venezuela. They
are ranked in order of viability and importance.
4. (U) Proposal 1 - Sponsor a conference in support of REDBIO:
This event would help rejuvenate the international organization
REDBIO's activities in Venezuela by bringing together national and
U.S. biotech specialists, interested parties, university students
and press. Focusing on topics that promote biotechnology, it would
create synergy in Caracas that currently is not present and serve
as a multiplier to REDBIO's regional efforts. (Estimated cost:
$40,000; Expected execution: Spring/Summer 2010)
5. (U) Proposal 2 - DVC seminar: Using the PAS section's DVC
capabilities, Post would foster biotechnology education among
university students and other interested parties, who lack access
to these resources. In conjunction with a local university,
participants could attend bi-weekly seminars at the Embassy to
interact with U.S. and Venezuelan experts on biotechnology. This
would help prospective agronomists to understand the benefits of
biotechnology and its applicability in Venezuela. The programs
could also foster contact between Venezuelan and U.S. scientific
and education communities. (Estimated cost: $10,000; Expected
execution: Summer 2010)
6. (U) Post appreciates the Department's consideration of these
proposals.
CAULFIELD
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