ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This overview draws on a cross selection of individual reports produced by various national and international agencies and individuals. We thank the authors of all the reports for making them available. We appreciate also their diligence in preparing thorough scientific analysis about the use of modern genetics in agriculture, and for their thoughtful findings as to specific issues that may affect different societies. We commend the individual reports for those interested in further study of these complex issues. 

This study had its genesis in ICSU’s Advisory Committee on Genetic Experimentation and Biotechnology (ACOGEB) in 2001.  The ACOGEB members who initiated the study in 2001 were Drs Richard Roberts, Oscar Grau, Anne McLaren, Jim Peacock and Marc van Montagu. Their support and contributions during the initiation and conduct of the study are gratefully acknowledged.

Several colleagues have made helpful comments and suggestions during the preparation of the review. Particular thanks are due to Sylvia Burssens, Marga Escaler, Louise Fresco, Cuberto Gaza, Brian Johnson, Larry Kohler, John Komen, Reginald MacIntyre, Norah Olembo, John Schiller and Ismail Serageldin for their contributions; and to Allen Kerr and Hal Mooney for their review of the final manuscript.

The professional assistance of Margaret Macdonald-Levy in the research phase, and in the preparation of the documentation and the web site is acknowledged with many thanks.  The encouragement of Andrew Bennett and Simon Best in bringing this project to completion is gratefully acknowledged. 

Gabrielle J. Persley
The Doyle Foundation, Glasgow, Scotland www.doylefoundation.org

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