Large-scale and sustained investment in biotechnology is necessary if the Irish economy is to continue to maintain its dynamism, it has been claimed following publication of a report on biotech research needs.
The report, which was published yesterday by a review group of senior scientists in Irish universities and the State's agricultural research body, Teagasc, says Ireland "must build as a matter of urgency a world-class research and development capability" in food biotechnology.
Speaking later, Dr Jim O'Grady, the chairman of the group, said the level of research they had suggested was "necessary to maintain Ireland at its current economic level".
The report specifies, for the first time, research priorities that should be pursued in food manufacture, livestock and crop production if Ireland wishes to participate in the "new agricultural revolution".
The report, which involved scientists at UCD, TCD, NUI Galway, UCC and BioResearch Ireland, which has research centres in Irish universities, is the most forthright from any sector in advocating development of biotechnology in the economy. Moreover, it suggests concentrating on the agri-food sector, including genetically modified crops, in light of a prediction that 70 per cent of global biotech growth will be in this area.
None the less, it highlights "the overriding importance of providing consumers with trustworthy, credible and impartial reassurance on the environmental and food safety risks that may be associated with biotechnology developments".
The group suggests Teagasc and universities have a vital role to play as "an independent scientific `referee' in the polarised debate which has dominated the biotechnology issue". An open, national dialogue was needed to address concerns about social and ethical aspects of the technology and its effects on human health and the environment.
The scientists say consumer acceptance will be crucial and express concern that objections to GM crops would, by association, cause similar concerns about other biotech techniques. "Transparent risk assessment and public involvement in the debate about strategic development of this technology must form part of this dialogue."
While GM crops had been the dominant issue, the authors stress that the medical sector was first to reap the benefits of biotechnology and 20 per cent of the world's pharmaceutical products were now biotech-based.
Teagasc director Dr Liam Downey said the report showed why public institutions should be involved in biotechnology, and the importance of better informed public understanding of socio-economic concerns relating to biotechnology.
A national agri-food biotechnology research and development programme should monitor, evaluate and harness appropriate international developments in crops and livestock production, and food manufacture, he said.
"We must have the capacity to fully understand and appreciate what is going on abroad. Otherwise, we will be importing `technology in the dark'. Moreover, we will not be in the position to participate effectively in international forums set up to adjudicate on the benefits and risks."
Immediate attention must be given to developing three applied biotechnology centres, backed by investment of up to £100 million over the next five years, Dr Downey said. Teagasc was investing £25 million on upgrading its research centres to meet this need. "With further support from the Foresight fund, the public research institutes together with the universities can put in place the biotechnology capacity required by the agri-food industry to prosper."
UCD president Dr Art Cosgrove said the report indicates universities can co-operate with each other and with other institutions. Biotechnology represented a powerful means to achieving presence in the agri-food sector where issues of safety and quality were dominant forces.
