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DE RUEHC #9940/01 3452225
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 102217Z DEC 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI 4602

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 STATE 129940 
 
SIPDIS 
FROM A/S DANIEL SULLIVAN TO AMBASSADORS, DCM'S, 
ECON COUNSELORS, PAOS, AND AG COUNSELORS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO KPAO
SUBJECT: FY 2009 BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH STRATEGY AND 
DEPARTMENT RESOURCES 
 
¶1.      (U)  Summary.  Agricultural biotechnology has great 
potential to help address the challenges of food 
insecurity and rural economic development.  To realize 
this potential, and to protect the interests of U.S. 
farmers and exporters, we seek to promote understanding 
of the technology and encourage the adoption of fair, 
transparent, and science-based policies and practices in 
other countries.  This cable outlines key elements of our 
current biotech strategy as well as some of the tools and 
resources (including EEB's biotech outreach funds) 
available to help posts pursue an active biotech agenda 
in supporting this strategy. 
 
¶2.      (U)  I urge you to encourage the various sections 
and agencies in your missions to work together as they 
pursue our shared goals on this issue.  I encourage 
missions, particularly those in "high priority" biotech 
countries (paragraph 4), to prepare thoughtful, 
interagency coordinated proposals for use of this year's 
EEB biotech outreach funds (see paragraphs 11-17 for 
instructions on submitting proposals).  The deadline for 
these proposals is January 20, 2009; however we may 
begin allocating EEB biotech outreach funds before the 
deadline, as necessary.  End Summary. 
 
Biotech Outreach objectives for 2009 
------------------------------------- 
 
¶3. (U) Our biotech outreach objectives for 2009 are to 
increase access to, and markets for, biotech as a means 
to help address the underlying causes of the food crisis, 
and to promote agricultural technology's role in biofuel 
production.  We will pursue these objectives by: 
 
-- Encouraging science and technology to play a crucial 
role in unleashing additional agricultural productivity, 
particularly in the developing world.  Many international 
organizations have called for a second Green Revolution 
in Africa, and biotechnology will be a central part of 
that effort.  Biotechnology is being used to increase 
crop yields and enhance the ability of food crops to 
sustain climate shocks.  Advances are being made to 
protect the environment through reduced use of chemicals 
and as a result of low tillage farming techniques. 
 
-- Publicizing that agricultural biotechnology can help 
address the food crisis and serve as a development tool 
by increasing food productivity and food security, 
reducing crop input costs, and helping to alleviate 
poverty. 
 
-- Reinforcing the environmental gains from decreased 
insecticide use, reduced soil erosion, and increased 
plant efficiency, stressing the potential for improved 
nutrition and disease prevention, and encouraging the 
development and commercialization of ag-biotech products 
that meet the unique needs of developing nations. 
 
-- Encouraging countries to abide by global trading rules 
and accept science-based evaluation of food production 
methods.  The U.S. will continue its effort to open 
markets and advocate responsible regulation. We will 
continue to seek full EU compliance with the 2006 WTO 
ruling against the EU de facto moratorium on approving 
agricultural biotechnology. 
 
-- Taking full advantage of the WTO biotech ruling by 
explaining the significance of the case, particularly to 
developing coun tries, and by stressing the global 
scientific consensus on the safety of ag-biotech products 
noted by the final WTO panel decision.  Some countries, 
especially in the developing world, lack the opportunity 
to utilize advanced crop technology due to concerns that 
the EU will not accept their agricultural exports if 
produced with the aid of biotechnology.  The U.S. should 
support developing countries that seek access to 
biotechnology, and reaffirm the WTO's 2006 panel ruling 
on this issue. 
 
-- Ensuring that activities taken pursuant to the 
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Codex 
Alimentarius are in line with those countries' 
obligations under international trade agreements. 
 
-- Promoting the understanding that ag-biotech 
 
STATE 00129940  002 OF 005 
 
 
contributes to production of biofuels through increased 
yields and improved feedstocks, and helps ensure food 
security. 
 
Strategy and Resources 
----------------------- 
 
¶4. (U)  Although our biotech strategy is global, we plan 
to pay particular attention to advancing this strategy 
through active engagement with key countries, with the 
medium-term goal of establishing models of ag-biotech 
trade and development success that can be a powerful 
demonstration to others.  These key countries in FY 2009 
include: 
 
---Brazil 
---Burkina Faso 
---China 
---Colombia 
---Czech Republic 
---Egypt 
---Germany 
---Ghana 
---India 
---Indonesia 
---Kenya 
---Nicaragua 
---Nigeria 
---Peru 
---Philippines 
---Romania 
---Russia 
---South Africa 
---Thailand 
---Ukraine 
---Vatican 
---Vietnam 
 
¶5. (U)  The Department works with a host of other USG 
agencies, international organizations, NGOs and industry 
to promote understanding and acceptance of biotechnology 
as well as new initiatives related to this technology. 
Within the State Department, the Agricultural and Biotech 
Trade Affairs Division (EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT) takes primary 
responsibility for ag-biotech issues.  EEB has available 
biotech outreach funds that can be allocated to posts to 
further ag-biotech policy and promote acceptance of the 
technology.  These funds are administered by 
EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT with the assistance of EEB/EX. 
 
¶6. (U)  Other USG agencies, such as USDA and USAID, have 
resources to help posts support USG biotech policy. 
Close collaboration among all relevant embassy sections 
and agencies is key to ensuring that posts fully exploit 
the range of available USG biotech resources.  Many posts 
establish ag-biotech working groups to put together 
successful ag-biotech advocacy programs.  In order to 
facilitate effective coordination between EEB and the 
field on ag-biotech issues, posts should forward points 
of contact for ag-biotech issues to EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT, 
Marcella Szymanski and Jack Bobo. 
 
¶7. (U)  Posts are encouraged to utilize the services of 
the Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP). 
Funds are available through EEB's Biotech Outreach 
Program to fund IIP Speaker Programs for Biotechnology. 
(Note:  Posts wishing to work with IIP in the recruitment 
of speakers and the administration of speaker programs 
must conform with the policies and guidelines of IIP.  If 
IIP is to be involved, then speakers must be U.S. 
citizens, they must be offered an honorarium of $200 per 
day (excepting USG employees) for each day of the 
program, and must be offered business class seating if 
the travel itinerary exceeds 14 hours.  It is suggested 
that posts work closely with Public Affairs Sections 
during the development and implementation of such 
programs, as the PA sections are familiar with IIP 
program requirements, procedures and request submission 
formats.  All IIP program requests MUST/MUST go through 
PA.) 
 
¶8. (U)  Posts are encouraged to use ECA's International 
Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) by including ag- 
biotech participants---under their regular allotments--- 
for the program.  For example, visits to U.S. farms where 
biotech crops are being cultivated, as well as 
discussions with U.S. farmers, have proven to be 
effective ways of dispelling concerns about biotech on 
the part of foreign visitors.  Posts should consider 
adding a biotech component to International Visitor 
 
STATE 00129940  003 OF 005 
 
 
programs for a wide range of opinion leaders, not just 
biotech specialists. 
 
¶9. (U)  Specially designed biotech Voluntary Visitors 
projects involving host government officials, industry 
leaders, and academics might also be considered.  The 
Foreign Press Center could arrange biotech reporting 
tours for U.S.- based foreign media and/or arrange visits 
by foreign media to the U.S. PAO's should coordinate 
these efforts directly with the relevant PA and ECA 
offices, although EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT would appreciate 
receiving info copies of proposals and nominations, and 
stands ready to assist ECA and posts with programming 
efforts. 
 
¶10. (U)  EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT staff are available as 
appropriate to advocate in host capitals, troubleshoot 
problematic legislation, and participate as public 
speakers on ag-biotech.  In particular, this is the key 
role of the State Department's Senior Advisor for 
Biotechnology, Jack Bobo. 
 
 
EEB'S BIOTECH OUTREACH FUNDS FOR FY 2009 
--------------------------------------- 
 
¶11. (U)  The Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business 
Affairs (EEB) has received funding in each of the last 
six fiscal years for ag-biotech outreach projects. 
Although the full level of funding for fiscal year 2009 
is not yet certain, EEB encourages posts to propose 
projects such as speaker programs, conferences, workshops 
and seminars to take advantage of these funds to promote 
the acceptance of ag-biotech. 
 
¶12. (U)  Funds are targeted towards public outreach to 
develop support for USG trade and development policy 
positions on biotechnology.  Projects should aim to 
provide accurate information on the benefits of 
biotechnology to policymakers and consumers in other 
countries and to encourage the adoption of science-based 
regulatory systems.  In light of discussions with 
Congressional staff, funds should be used to create 
support for USG positions in regions outside the European 
Union (EU) or to limit the influence of EU negative views 
on biotechnology.  We do, however, consider on a case by 
case basis, and have provided funding for, proposals from 
EUR posts that are consistent with our overall strategy. 
 
¶13. (U)  Acceptance and receipt of funds is contingent on 
post agreeing to provide within one month of completion 
of the project a report including the following elements: 
 
-- A financial report that itemizes the expenditures of 
funds. 
 
-- A detailed description of the audience reached (number 
of attendees and nature of audience, e.g. producers, 
consumers, policymakers), with a particular emphasis on 
those individuals that may influence national biotech 
policy. 
 
-- Analysis on whether the program influenced public 
perceptions. 
 
-- Level of media coverage (and, if possible, the size of 
the audience serviced by media). 
 
 
¶14. (U)  SUBMISSION OF PROGRAM AND FUNDING REQUESTS:  We 
urge post public diplomacy officers to consult with econ 
officers, ESTH officers, and Foreign Agricultural Service 
staff in crafting proposed projects prior to submission 
of requests.  Posts are encouraged to send proposals for 
FY 09 ag-biotech projects to the Department not later 
than January 20, 2008.  Projects received after that date 
will be considered based on available resources. 
 
Requests should outline: 
 
-- The cost of the proposed program; 
-- The target audiences; 
-- The specific ag-biotech issues to be addressed; 
-- How the project would help meet USG policy objectives 
(purpose and impact); 
-- Proposed length of program; 
-- Whether or not the IIP Speaker Program will be utilized; 
and 
-- Name of post responsible officer and contact 
information. 
 
STATE 00129940  004 OF 005 
 
 
 
Please note:  IIP will be sending separate messages to 
select posts soliciting proposals for speaker projects as 
funds become available from EEB. 
 
¶15. (U)  Program proposals will be reviewed by 
EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT.  Please slug cables for 
EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT/ - Marcella Szymanski 
(szymanskimb@state.gov) and Jack Bobo (BoboJA@state.gov). 
 
¶16. (U) EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT will work with posts to further 
develop promising proposals.  Average size of program has 
been $10,000-25,000, with some as small as $2,000 and 
others as large as $100,000. 
 
¶17. (U)  Funds may be used to pay for travel by 
participants or speakers to an international meeting or 
conference hosted by the USG in the United States or for 
travel by speakers from the United States to another 
country.  EEB's Biotech Outreach funds come with a number 
of restrictions on how they can be used, so only certain 
types of projects are appropriate.  Applicable 
restrictions include: 
 
-- EEB funds cannot be used for International Visitor 
programs or to fund other travel by non-government 
employees (Invitational travel for non-USG employees is 
permitted as long as they will serve as a presenter or 
speaker); 
 
-- Funds cannot be used for representational events or to 
provide food or beverages for receptions or meals; 
 
-- Funds cannot be provided as grants; 
 
-- Funds cannot be provided as foreign assistance or for 
training purposes; and 
 
-- Funds expire at the end of the fiscal year, i.e. 
September 30, 2009. 
 
Background on Agricultural Biotechnology 
---------------------------------------- 
 
¶18. (U) In the last ten years more than 475 million 
hectares/1.1 billion acres of biotechnology crops have 
been planted around the world.  In 2007, nearly two dozen 
countries grew biotechnology crops on more than 282 
million acres/114 million hectares.  Ag-biotech growth 
continues even in Europe: five EU member states now grow 
biotech crops. 
 
¶19. (U) This is not just a technology for large 
agribusinesses.  More than ninety percent of farmers 
benefiting from the technology are in the developing 
world.  In 2007, some 12 million small farmers in the 
developing world benefited from biotechnology crops. 
Biotech plantings in the developing world increased by 
21% in 2007.  Biotech offers the potential to help 
developing countries attack the cycle of poverty, address 
food security needs, and improve farmers' lives and 
incomes.  Studies indicate remarkable gains by farmers 
adopting biotech cotton in India, leading to record 
cotton exports.  Scientists are developing new crops that 
resist drought and disease and provide health benefits to 
farmers and nutritional benefits to consumers, as well as 
ensure a reliable supply of staple crops for the 
developing world (see USTR's Fact Sheet on ag-biotech and 
development): 
http://www.ustr.gov/Trade_Sectors/Agriculture /Biotechnolo 
gy/Section_Index.html 
 
¶20. (U)  Ag-biotech also provides environmental benefits. 
Adoption of biotech crops has significantly reduced 
insecticide use (by an estimated 172,000 metric tons of 
active ingredients from 1996-2004), and has allowed many 
farmers to adopt no till farming practices, thereby 
reducing soil erosion and consumption of energy and 
water.  Reduced use of pesticides in China (an estimated 
67 percent reduction in applications among biotech cotton 
farmers since 2003) has resulted in significant health 
benefits to Chinese cotton farmers, who previously 
suffered from exposure to dangerous and sometimes lethal 
levels of pesticides (see USTR's Fact Sheet on ag-biotech 
and the environment): 
http://www.ustr.gov/Trade_Sectors/Agriculture /Biotechnolo 
gy/Section_Index.html 
 
¶21. (U) For additional informational materials (including 
fact sheets, remarks, and related links on ag-biotech) 
 
STATE 00129940  005 OF 005 
 
 
addressees should visit 
www.state.gov/e/eeb/tpp/c22861.htm 
 
¶22. (U) Minimize considered. 
RICE