The background document for the FAO e-mail conference entitled "The role of biotechnology for the characterisation and conservation of crop, forest, animal and fishery genetic resources in developing countries" is now available. The 16-page document gives an overview of the current status of genetic resources in the different food and agricultural sectors; a description of relevant biotechnologies (such as molecular markers, cryopreservation and reproductive technologies); and a discussion of some potential factors that may influence applications of biotechnology in developing countries in this area. See http://www.fao.org/biotech/C13doc.htm or contact [email protected] to request a copy of the document by e-mail. The e-mail conference, which is moderated and open to everyone, runs from 6 June to 3 July 2005 and is hosted by the FAO Biotechnology Forum. To join the Forum (and also register for the conference), send an e-mail to [email protected] leaving the subject blank and entering only the following text on two separate lines:subscribe BIOTECH-Lsubscribe biotech-room1Forum members wishing to register for the conference should leave out the first line of the above message. For more information, contact [email protected].

18/05/2005