Biotechnology Seminar Paper Chile's Experience in Planning for Agricultural Biotechnology Isnar Biotechnology Service

Abstract

S B Seminar Papers reflect the views of the authors and not necessarily those of ISNAR. They are not official ISNAR publications. Introduction Agriculture in Chile has become an important economic activity, currently contributing 25% of national exports and about 7% of the country's GDP. Until a few years ago, this contribution was much smaller but the boost given by the government to export, favorable agroclimatic conditions and the possibility to market fresh products during the winter months in the northern hemisphere, have been key factors in the development of Chile-an agriculture. However, the current globalization of markets and the free-trade agreements to which Chile became a signatory, are factors requiring Chilean agriculture to adopt a new orientation. The strategy formulated by the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI) to meet the challenges imposed on agricultural development includes, among other aspects, measures to boost the development of science and technology for increased diversification in this sector, and to reduce production costs while improving quality, ensuring environmental protection and adding value to basic agricultural products. In this context, biotechnology can play a key role as it is a highly innovative, multidisciplinary activity which has achieved significant progress in human medicine and industrial processes. There is great potential for biotechnology applications in agriculture and forestry, and biotechnology development has potential to promote other initiatives to increase technological self-reliance and reduce production costs while increasing competitiveness. It was with these objectives in mind that MINAGRI decided to formulate a National Program for the Development of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry (PNB) which would enable the country to sustain and increase competitiveness in this sector both at the national and international level. Responsibility