Since its launch in April 2003, FAO-BioDeC (an on-line searchable database (http://www.fao.org/biotech/inventory_admin/dep/default.asp) providing information on crop biotechnology products/techniques in use or in the pipeline in developing countries) has been a very popular addition to the FAO Biotechnology website. To keep it up to date, a system for information verification and updating by national correspondents has been put in place. So far, 53 correspondents (listed at http://www.fao.org/biotech/inventory_admin/biodec-corr.htm) from 50 countries have volunteered to assist us in this task. We are now looking for volunteers to cover the remaining developing countries. Ideally, FAO-BioDeC National Correspondents should be working in the public sector, specialising in agricultural biotechnology or in a related area, and they should be up-to-date with the status of development, adoption and application of crop biotechnologies in their country. If your country is not yet represented, and you are willing to volunteer to be a FAO-BioDeC National Correspondent, please send an e-mail indicating your interest to [email protected].

02/07/2003