Biotechnology Law at Honduras
Honduras has developed a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for biotechnology, particularly in agriculture, positioning itself as a leader in Central America regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and precision breeding.
🇭🇳 Legal and Regulatory Framework
1. National Biosafety Law (Decree 1570-98)
Enacted in 1998, this law established the foundation for regulating GMOs in Honduras. It mandates risk assessments for GMOs and assigns the National Service of Agrifood Health and Safety (SENASA) as the primary authority for approving the release of GMOs into the environment .
2. National Committee on Biotechnology and Biosafety (CNBBA)
Established under SENASA, the CNBBA oversees the evaluation and approval of GMOs, ensuring compliance with safety standards and international agreements
3. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
Honduras ratified this international treaty in 2008, committing to the safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) that may have adverse effects on biodiversity and human health
🌱 Agricultural Biotechnology Developments
Commercial Cultivation of GM Crops
Honduras has approved the commercial cultivation of several GM crops, including maize and rice. As of 2024, approximately 67,000 hectares were planted with GM corn, marking a 29% increase from the previous year .
Approval of New Biotechnology Events
In 2024, the CNBBA approved multiple new biotechnology events, including genetically edited banana and blackberry varieties, reflecting the country's commitment to advancing agricultural biotechnology
Regulation of Precision Breeding
In 2019, Honduras issued a resolution to streamline the approval process for products developed using new breeding techniques (NBTs), such as gene editing. This regulation treats gene-edited organisms without foreign DNA as conventional crops, facilitating their research and commercialization
🌍 Regional Collaboration
Central American Integration
Honduras, along with Guatemala and El Salvador, signed a technical resolution in 2019 to harmonize the research and commercialization of biotechnology products. This agreement includes the establishment of national advisory committees for risk assessment and defines the regulatory status of gene-edited products
🐾 Biotechnology in Animal Health
While Honduras has approved the use of genetically modified mosquitoes for disease vector control, the commercial production of genetically modified animals is not yet established. SENASA is working on developing procedures for the regulation of genetically engineered animals .
✅ Summary
Honduras stands out in Central America for its robust and evolving biotechnology legal framework, encompassing GMOs, precision breeding, and regional collaboration. The country's proactive approach to biosafety and regulatory harmonization supports its leadership in agricultural biotechnology in the region.
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