Viewing cable 10RABAT14, MOROCCO REQUEST FOR BIOTECH OUTREACH FUNDS

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10RABAT14

2010-01-08 14:57

UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Embassy Rabat

VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHRB #0014 0081457
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 081457Z JAN 10
FM AMEMBASSY RABAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1035
INFO RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA 0044
RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHDC
UNCLAS RABAT 000014
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT AND NEA/MAG
USDA FOR FAS/OCBD, FAS/OSTA, AND FAS/OCRA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ETRD TBIO KPAO MO
SUBJECT: MOROCCO REQUEST FOR BIOTECH OUTREACH FUNDS

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REF: 09 STATE 122732

1. (U) Embassy Rabat's Economic, Agriculture, and
Public Affairs Sections request Biotech Outreach
Funds as outlined in the proposal below to support
efforts to influence scientists and policy makers in
Morocco regarding the benefits of agricultural
biotechnology.
2. (SBU) Embassy Rabat proposes to hold discussion
seminars for Moroccan research scientists,
academics, and policy makers, including advisors
close to the Royal Palace. Speakers would include a
U.S.-based expert in agricultural biotechnology
policy. Post proposes to focus these discussions on
the use of biotech in developing feedstocks for
biofuels production and optimizing agriculture in
the face of a changing climate. These topics
address areas of significant concern in Morocco, a
nation that imports 97 percent of its energy needs
and faces the likelihood of reduced rainfall and
increased periods of drought as a result of climate
change.
3. (U) Post requests funds according to the
instructions in reftel. The outline of this request
is as follows:
-- Cost of proposed program: USD 17,825.
(Airfare: USD 6,000, Lodging plus M and IE: USD
2,275, honorarium: USD 800, Seminar logistics costs:
USD 1,650, Interpretation and equipment rental: USD
7,100)
-- Target audiences: Research scientists at
National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA),
university academics, and members of the Royal
Institute for Strategic Studies (IRES).
-- Specific ag-biotech issues to be addressed:
Utility and potential of agricultural biotechnology
to optimize biofuels feedstock and adapt crops to
changes in climate.
-- How the project would help meet USG policy
objectives: This program would allow scientists and
policy advisors the opportunity to discuss
agricultural biotechnology with U.S. experts in the
field, permitting a better understanding of the
technologies and benefits and risks. Currently,
agricultural biotechnology is prohibited in food
crops in Morocco due to its trade relations with
Europe, and the Embassy judges it counterproductive
to press for immediate acceptance of ag-biotech in
food crops. However, Morocco is very concerned
about developing alternative sources of energy to
reduce its import dependence, and also is very
concerned about the likelihood of drier climate
affecting its agriculture. These topics would
provide an opportunity to reduce opposition to agbiotech in Morocco among scientists, policy
advisors, and other opinion leaders.

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-- Proposed length of program: 3 days of one-day

seminars at different locations (INRA, IRES, and
universities).
-- Arranging speakers: Post requests the assistance
of the IIP Speaker Program in arranging for a
speaker.
-- Post responsible officer: Jai L. Nair, Economic
Officer (SBU email: NairJL@state.gov; phone: 212537-76-22-65 extension 2136).
KAPLAN

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