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Publisher

Zambia sets out biotechnology strategy
TNS renames consumer panel

Biotechnology

Zambia sets out biotechnology strategy

Zambia has set out a $40 million five year plan to protect itself against the unwarranted proliferation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to preserve its unique biodiversity, reports the Environmental News Service.

The move comes seven months after Zambia refused American donations of whole grain GM maize. It feared local farmers would plant the seeds and contaminate local varieties. The cabinet still has to approve the plan.

The new biosafety and biotechnology framework identifies seven core programmes. These include environment and biodiversity, which aims at conserving the genetic diversity of Zambia's crops. Other program areas are livestock, fish, and the control of environmental pollution.

The plan also aims to prepare legislation to govern the research, development, and use of GMOs. In particular it aims to protect the population against preventable diseases and to develop capacity to diagnose tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria. Zambia’s HIV infection rate is 21 percent.

Market research

TNS renames consumer panel

TNS, the global market information company, has renamed its consumer panels division as TNS Worldpanel. This brings TNS’s existing portfolio, including its business partnerships in Europanel, Latinpanel and Asiapanel.

TNS Worldpanel managing director Judith Passingham said “Our multinational clients seek preferred global partners to provide consistent and accurate measurement, analysis and insight into consumer markets worldwide.”