Tunisia: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual
Tunisia currently has no legal framework for the production, use or marketing of agricultural biotechnology. Draft biotechnology regulations put forward in 2010 were not approved by Parliament, and neither was the draft biosafety regulation that was completed in 2014. Until a law is in place, imports of genetically engineered (GE) commodities will continue to be handled in a manner similar to products of conventional agriculture. Tunisia imports a significant amount of commodities such as corn, soybeans and soybean meal for its animal feed sector. Any agricultural biotechnology activity is confined to research as scientists continue to improve their understanding. FAS/Tunis continues its effort to help Tunisia realize a viable and science-based regulatory approach to biotechnology and has supported several participants in this regard through the Cochran and Borlaug programs.
