Biotechnology Law at El Salvador
El Salvador's biotechnology legal framework is evolving, with a focus on biosafety and agricultural competitiveness. Here's an overview of the current status:
🇸🇻 Legal and Institutional Framework
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: El Salvador ratified this international agreement in 2003, committing to regulate the safe transfer, handling, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to protect biodiversity and human health.
Environmental Law (1998): This law provides guidelines for environmental impact assessments of GMOs and outlines procedures for establishing biosafety norms.
Planting Seed Law (2001): Article 30 of this law initially prohibited the import, research, production, or commercialization of GMO seeds. However, this article was abolished in 2008, removing legal barriers to the use of GMOs.
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG): Designated as the National Competent Authority for biotechnology, MAG is responsible for authorizing and maintaining registries related to biotechnology.
🌱 Agricultural Biotechnology Status
Field Trials: Genetically engineered (GE) corn field trials were successfully completed in 2009.
Regulatory Framework: The Ministry of Environment developed a regulatory framework for the safe use and commercialization of GE products. However, specific norms and a surveillance network are still lacking to facilitate the use of biotechnology in agriculture.
Current Status: El Salvador does not currently cultivate GM crops, and there are no local developments of GM crops in advanced stages.
📚 Capacity Building and Education
Leadership School for the Transformation of Agrifood Systems (ELTSA): Launched in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), this initiative aims to build the technical and leadership capacities of young farmers and agronomy students. The program includes training in innovation and biotechnology, climate-smart agriculture, and digital agriculture.
🔍 Summary
El Salvador's biotechnology law is in a transitional phase. While the legal framework has evolved to permit biotechnology, the implementation of specific regulations and surveillance mechanisms is still pending. The government has shown interest in leveraging biotechnology to enhance agricultural competitiveness and is investing in capacity building to support this goal.
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