BCA and IPM, but have little experience in scaling-up and commercialisation, so a successful model (worldwide) has been to carry out the basic research and development (e.g. identification of active control agents, laboratory assays and trials) then to transfer the know-how to ‘spin off’ or other companies prepared to invest in further technology. Since BCA are often fairly specific, with limited markets, they are likely to be developed by SME with limited funding. Light-touch regulation is therefore essential at this stage, even though more promising products and enterprises may subsequently been bought up by major life sciences or important national/regional companies. This could possibly be seen as an ultimate measure of success for BCA, resulting in further product development and helping to overcome many of the financial and promotional constraints identified in this document. a way forward Throughout these Guidelines we have emphasised the need for evidence-based policy making, streamlined regulation and practical implementation of policies for strengthening the biocontrol component in IPM/GAP. During the 4th plenary meeting of application and regulation experts, it was agreed that strategies for improvement should focus on measures that enhanced availability and reliability of BCA products. In addition, greater understanding of critical issues is needed at various levels, with transfer of internationally acceptable standards to national policies. This requires capacity building for regulators, specialist scientists and the private sector BCA producers, together with a substantial interaction between these stakeholders. Some of the points that were discussed in the 4th expert meeting are presented here in more detail in order to help to develop a future strategy for improvement. Regarding the question of how and where the ASEAN Guidelines could help AMS to improve regulation and use of BCA, the responses of the experts are summarised below: Cambodia sees the value of the Guidelines in that it can be used to develop a national regulation, including the procedures and information requirements that are proposed in it. The categorisation of BCA was found to be useful, in particular for better understanding among regulators and to clarify the identity of products. The Cambodia representative would still wish to see more explicit statements or categorisation of the hazardous potential of BCA. Indonesia emphasised the importance of harmonisation and joint collaboration; the text of the Guidelines itself could be useful in the future. The representative added that registrations should be simplified, and that the experts should make a plan how networking and training can be maintained. Lao PDR commented that the Guidelines will help the country to define a regulatory framework. The representative looked forward to learning more from the other AMS: exchanging experiences and information. 53 5.6 The 4th plenary meeting of application and regulation experts:
Implementing Biological Control Agents in the ASEAN Region
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