Training programmes

According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, 129 GMO events used to generate transgenic plants are commercialised in various parts of the world and this number is constantly increasing. Of these, only about 20 are authorised for food or feed use in Europe. A specific event may therefore be authorised in an exporting country but not in an importing country.

A more uniform approach to GMO analysis, including good understanding of EU control and safety requirements will help international trade. Capacity building through training should increase the expertise of non-EU operators, thus helping them to adapt their procedures for checking compliance with EU requirements.

This project aims to enhance harmonisation of GMO analysis by establishing regional and eventually international networks outside of the EU and providing training to enforcement laboratories. The project involves evaluation of needs and priorities, identification of the relevant institutions and experts, organisation of regional networking meetings, training courses and follow up networking meetings.

Who has been awarded the contract for the programme?

The Joint Research Centre Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, for further information please visit: http://mbg.jrc.ec.europa.eu/capacitybuilding/workshops.htm

Who is the programme aimed at?

The programme is intended mainly for representatives of enforcement bodies and project leaders involved in GMO analysis from third, particularly developing countries. Regional networking meetings cater for 35-40 participants, follow-up networking meetings for around 20 and training courses for approximately 14. The events take place in different regions of the world and each one is addressed primarily to countries in the region where it is held.

How do I participate?

Anyone interested in taking part in training should contact their relevant national competent authority. For third countries, the national competent authority proposes participants directly to the contractor. The contractor then submits the list of participants to the Commission for approval. Interested parties representing projects in the area should contact the contractor directly.

How many events are taking place?

Five events are currently planned. Networking Meetings are scheduled for Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and Asia and a training course is to take place for EU new Member States, candidate, potential candidate and ENP countries. The second Global Conference on GMO Analysis is also to take place within the programme.

When and where are the events taking place?

• For candidate, potential candidate and ENP countries, April/May 2011
• For Asia, October/November 2011
• For Africa, January/February 2012
• For Latin America and the Caribbean, May/June 2012
• Second Global Conference on GMO Analysis

Exact dates and locations are to be defined.