On 12 October 2007, FAO organised a seminar on "The role of agricultural biotechnologies for production of bioenergy in developing countries" in Rome, Italy. Papers from invited speakers are now available on the web. The first covers issues such as the current global situation regarding biofuels; the potential impacts of genetic modification; trade implications; biofuels certification; and product differentiation under the World Trade Organization (by S. Zarrilli). The second focuses on technical issues and options for the use of genomics for production of lignocellulosic biomass and its conversion to biofuel (G.A. Tuskan). The third describes some of the biochemical aspects behind breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol; the importance of cellulases; as well as giving some of the history of Brazilian research in this area (E.P.S. Bon and M.A. Ferrara). See http://www.fao.org/biotech/seminaroct2007.htm or contact [email protected] for more information.

11/05/2008