Field Workshops with Farmers on Biological Safety and GMO

As part of the final activities of the project "Support for the Preparation of the Fifth National Report on the Implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety" (GEF ID 11907), implemented by the University of Montenegro – Faculty of Biotechnology, with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), field workshops and discussions with farmers were held in Nikšić, Zeta, and Danilovgrad on the 28th and 29th. Special attention was given to biosafety issues, potential risks associated with genetically modified organisms, the origin and control of seed and planting material, and the importance of using declared and controlled reproductive material in agricultural production. Discussions with producers covered existing control and monitoring systems, the importance of traceability of seed and planting material, proper information dissemination, and adherence to procedures during procurement and use. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of cooperation between farmers and advisory and regulatory authorities. Participants included Nemanja Pajović, head of the Directorate for Advisory Services in Plant Production at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management; Mr. Branka Nikolić from the Directorate for Advisory Services and Field Control in Plant Production; Biljana Vulić, head of the Department for Seed, Planting Material, GMO, Plant Variety Protection, and Plant Genetic Resources in Agriculture from the Food Safety, Veterinary, and Phytosanitary Service; as well as other experts.