On 21 March 2006, the Agricultural Biotechnology Network in Africa (ABNETA) was launched in Nairobi, Kenya. The initiative is co-ordinated by FAO and implemented by the African Biotechnology Stakeholder Forum. The specific goals of the network are to facilitate exchange of information and dialogue among researchers, policy makers, farmers, media and the public on matters concerning application of biotechnologies in agriculture and conservation of genetic resources; facilitate and organize regional meetings, training courses, workshops to strengthen national capacities to develop and access tools to enhance plant breeding and conservation of plant genetic resources (PGR); provide current information on advances made in biotechnology research; encourage communication between the media and the public in the area of biotechnology; be a source of data on biotechnology in Africa including existing and required capacities in terms of equipment, reagents and human resources; be a base for forum discussions on all aspects of biotechnology and its application in breeding; and provide contacts for plant breeders and researchers and facilitate linkages. See http://www.abneta.org/index.php or contact [email protected] for more information.

11/04/2006