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A performance contract to regulate import and export of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Zambia has been signed between government and the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) Board.
The contract will focus on regulation of GMO import and export, its research, policy, legislation and standards in Zambia.
This contract for the period January to December, 2023 will also facilitate objective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of performance on the above stated focus areas.
Green Economy and Environment Minister Collins Nzovu, said performance contract was important as it ensured and enhanced accountability for the performance of the NBA board of directors based on clearly established and agreed priorities.
Nzovu encouraged the board to work hard as it regulated matters related to GMOs.
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“As you may be aware, just a mere mention of the word genetically GMOs, causes eyebrows to be raised.
“This is because many people do not have adequate information on the technology and its products as such they are mostly ill-informed on the status of GMOs in Zambia,” he said at the signing ceremony of the contract in Lusaka.
Nzovu implored the board to ensure that the authority was the first to get to the people with the right information before others with wrong information did.
This, he said, meant that the Authority must intensify the awareness programmes so that people were well informed for them to make informed decisions.
“Specifically, under the regulation of import and export of GMOs, my ministry is glad to note your contribution to export earnings when it comes to your involvement in the provision of non-GMO certificates on some agricultural products,” Nzovu said.
NBA Board Chairperson Rose Sakala, said the team noted the need to have presence at key ports of entry through recruitment of more staff.
“Once the challenge of staffing is addressed, we hope to see increased compliance to regulations and standards as provided for by the biosafety act. These are some of the areas that we hope to work on and address with the support from the ministry,” Sakala said.
She said the board was determined to ensure enhanced performance, transparency and accountability in the running of the authority.
Sakala said the board is aimed to ensure improving performance and delivering quality and timely services to the Zambian people.
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