b"From Lab to LegislationWhy AMSACs Marlene Ortiz traded in a lab coat for a seat at the advocacy table. Maya Simone and Madeleine BaergMARLENE ORTIZ BERROCALwas completing herIn the end, it's the farmers and the researchers who are going Ph.D in plant biotechnology at the Universidad Nacionalto use the new seeds or the new technologies to breed those Autnoma de Mxico, on route to beginning an academic careernew seeds, and theyll benefit from them. We strive to work with in research, when her studies took an almost accidental rightagricultural scientific institutions so that researchers and students turn. It changed the entire direction of her career path, unex- themselves will get more information and training around these pectedly turning her into a powerful regulatory ally for Mexicostopics. Then they can also become allies and advocate them-seed sector.selves, she says.You are there on your bench, thinking that maybe you will save the world with your project, but the truth is different. I tookRegulatory Challenges a short course at Cornell University, focused on advocacy for bio- Like the seed sectors in virtually every nation around the world, technology in agriculture. That's where I came across all the realMexicos seed value chain is currently seeking a path forward on challenges that are out there. It is not enough to produce some- phytosanitary affairs for seed movement, intellectual property thing in the lab. What happens after that in terms of meetingand new breeding techniques questions. That said, Mexicos agri-regulations and getting it to marketthat is really the biggestcultural, political and social realities make its discussions unique. challenge, she says. Ortiz graduated with a Ph.D, a deep awareness of the impor-tance of having people with knowledge in plant science doing regulatory work, and a commitment to being part of that advo-cacy effort. We have come to realize that people normallyFor the past six years since her graduation, Ortiz has handled the regulatory affairs portfolio for Mexicos seed association, thedont think about where their food and theirAsociacin Mexicana de Semilleros (AMSAC). Top priorities in this role include advocating for science-basedclothes come from. regulations around importing and exporting seeds, plant breed-Marlene Ortizing innovations and intellectual property. Since the seed industry is regulated by the government, we serve as the representative entity and intermediary between the companies and the government, Ortiz says. We are translating the information to the decision makers. Mexico is ranked eleventh in food production of all countries Its a complicated role that requires Ortiz to put to work herin the world, and it is one of the biggest vegetable producers deep scientific understanding, excellent communications skills,and exporters globally. Quality, ever-improving seeds are vital for and ability to advocate and build relationships.Mexico to maintain its production and improve its sustainability. Mexico is a particular country considering how some issuesAn increasing number of Mexican and international compa-get politicized instead of being science-based, she says. Younies, as well as public institutions, are conducting research in cannot persuade through science and data alone: decisiona range of crops, seeking new varieties that best suit Mexican makers rely more on who the messenger is and if there is trustgrowing conditions. Unfortunately, Mexico currently has no and respect.framework for new breeding technologies. Without clear regula-When a new market draws attention or a regulatory frame- tions and guidelines for the use of the latest tools for new variety work is needed, Ortiz collaborates with seed companies anddevelopment, innovation is difficult. other stakeholders to provide recommendations to the regula- Helping Mexicos government understand the importance of tors. Often, that includes working with academic and researchfarmers and consumers having access to plant varieties devel-institutions, too. oped with new breeding techniques has proven challenging, 4/ SEEDWORLD.COMLATAM"