On 9-11 February 2005, FAO`s Crop and Grassland Service organised a workshop entitled "The way forward to strengthen national plant breeding and biotechnology capacity" in Rome, Italy. The objectives were to bring together participants from developing countries of Africa, Asia and South America, representing a variety of backgrounds and expertise, to discuss the problem of the decline in plant breeding and how this might be remedied. The workshop aimed to provide guidance on, and detail linkages between, modern and traditional plant breeding. The necessary move from conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) to sustainable use was also a major discussion point. See the workshop report at http://www.fao.org/docrep/008/af081e/af081e00.htm or contact [email protected] for more information.

14/07/2005