InPP took part in a session on breeding and genomic techniques in Lisbon

InnovPlantProtect (InPP) took part in the debate session on breeding and genomic techniques, the subject of the most recent edition of the CULTIVAR publication by the Planning, Policies and General Administration Office (GPP), which took place on June 27 at the Marquês Hall of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Lisbon.

The opening session was led by the GPP's director-general, Eduardo Diniz, and also included the participation of Pedro Fevereiro, executive director of the InPP, Benvindo Maçãs, director of INIAV, IP, Catarina Ginja, professor at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Irina Castro, from the Transgenics Out Platform. The panel was moderated by Pedro Castro Rego, from the GPP.

As can be read in the news published on the GPP website: “During the debate, although there was no consensus on the subject, it was clear that the improvement essentially seeks to respond to the challenges of food supply and climate change.

As European regulations have not yet been stabilized, the scientific complexity and the effects associated with technological application on nature were highlighted. The speakers stressed the importance of approaching breeding as a process that interconnects various domains within genetic diversity, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of this activity. Breeding and genomic techniques could develop solutions for more sustainable agricultural production, not only in environmental terms, but also in economic and social terms. However, the time and conditions in which these solutions are made available were questioned, particularly with regard to biodiversity and consumer concerns.

Public policies were mentioned as the privileged instrument for delimiting the impact of breeding and genomic techniques on agriculture and food in the near future. In this context, political commitments will have to act in conjunction with socially responsible technological innovation in favor of greater agricultural productivity and income in the long term.”

Watch the recording of the session here.