VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBO #0025/01 0082112
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 082112Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY BOGOTA
TO RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHDC
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6368

UNCLAS BOGOTA 000025 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT MARCELLA SZYMANSKI AND JACK BOBO 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ECON EAGR ETRD TBIO KPAO CO
SUBJECT: BOGOTA PROPOSAL FOR SPEAKER ON AGRICULTURAL 
BIOTECHNOLOGY 
 
REF: 08 SECSTATE 129940 
 
¶1.  (U)  SUMMARY:  Post requests that EEB fund a 
Spanish-speaking U.S. expert on biotech policy, focusing on 
drafting and implementing legislation to promote 
biotechnology.  Rather than addressing the safety or 
environmental effects of biotechnology, this speaker should 
discuss how to develop a pro-investment and pro-science 
biotech legal framework.  Post's primary objective is to 
explore with Colombian congressional representatives, 
ministry officials, the press and researchers, the legal 
framework needed for biotechnology to thrive.  This outreach 
will target policy-makers vis-a-vis direct and small group 
discussions.  The goal of the outreach is also to engage with 
the agricultural sector via a presentation at AgroFuturo - an 
annual event sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture - where 
the speaker will present the benefits of biotechnology to a 
larger and broader audience.  This speaker program would 
support USG and Post economic policy objectives by helping to 
develop a biotechnology legal framework that has the 
potential to open new markets for U.S. exporters, and the 
potential to increase Colombia's capacity to meet its food 
security needs.  Upon approval, Post will work on identifying 
a specific speaker candidate in coordination with the 
Department.  END SUMMARY. 
 
¶2.  (U)  STATEMENT OF PROBLEM:  Colombian lawmakers' 
knowledge of biotechnology is limited and policymakers are 
subject to the influence of consumer and environmental 
activists that oppose implementation and expansion of 
science-based biotechnology in Colombia.  A law to regulate 
different aspects of biotechnology was recently discussed in 
several legislative sessions.  Last year, an attempt to 
legislate mandatory labeling of GMO products and bi-products 
was defeated but reintroduced into Congress for consideration 
in 2009.  This legislation would create a restrictive legal 
framework for production, trade and distribution of biotech 
goods.  The attempt to change legislation in Colombia would 
adversely affect trade (especially imports) of biotech 
products, impacting key U.S. GMO exports such as corn, 
soybeans and products made from these commodities.  The 
speaker would expose anti-biotech lawmakers to the safety of 
GMOs and their economic benefits.  This year would be ideal 
timing to influence this process in a factual and non-biased 
manner. 
 
¶3.  (U)  COST:  Program would be supported wholly from EEB 
funds.  Estimated cost of this program is USD 5,750 which 
will include transportation, lodging, and interpretation (if 
needed) as follows: 
 
Transport: USD 2,000 (R/T US-Bogota) 
Local Travel (R/T most likely to Medellin):  USD 750 
Per diem (3 program and 2 travel days):  USD 1,250 
Interpretation (USD 500/day):  USD 1,500 (as needed) 
Miscellaneous: (Meeting Room/invitations):  USD 250 
 
¶4.  (U)  TIME FRAME:  Post is looking for the most qualified 
speaker on this subject and is flexible on the dates of the 
program.  Optimally, post would like to have a speaker in 
June 2009 during AgroFuturo, the largest agricultural policy 
forum in Colombia.  AgroFuturo is an annual event hosted by 
the Ministry of Agriculture. 
 
¶5.  (U)  MISSION STRATEGIC PLAN THEME AND PURPOSE OF THE 
PROGRAM:  This program meets Post's FY 2009 MSP goal of 
"Promoting Economic Growth and Security" by helping to create 
a legal environment where new biotech products can thrive. 
The development of a favorable biotech environment has the 
potential to increase and open new markets for U.S. exporters 
of biotech products.  Furthermore, the Colombian Congress 
recently passed legislation increasing the funding for 
science, technology and innovation (STI) activities and 
research -- with the hopes that STI can increase the 
country's productivity and become a driver of economic growth 
-- and with the appropriate legal environment, biotech R&D 
could become a greater priority for the GOC.  A speaker 
program on biotechnology will directly support the goals of 
increasing bilateral economic ties and helping Colombia 
increase food security. 
 
¶6.  (U)  AUDIENCE:  Speaker will primarily address 
policy-makers such as representatives from the House and 
Senate; Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Energy, 
Social Protection, Commerce and Foreign Affairs; the 
Colombian Institute of Science (Colciencias) and Colombian 
Institute for Agriculture (ICA).  In addition, the speaker 
will also address a broader audience at the AgroFuturo forum. 
 
¶7.  (U)  IIP PARTICIPATION:  There will be no IIP 
participation in this program. 
 
¶8.  (U)  LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: Fluent Spanish strongly 
preferred 
 
¶9.  (U)  POST CONTACT INFORMATION:  ECON Program Officer is 
Megan Selmon; Email address: selmonml@state.gov; Telephone 
number: 011-57-383-2451; Cell phone number: 320-488-0210. 
FAS Program Officer: Todd Drennan; Email address: 
todd.drennan@fas.usda.gov; Telephone number: 011-57-315-2033; 
Cell phone number: 320-498-4250. 
 
 
NICHOLS