Of course, none of this will happen without suitably trained staff in plant
breeding and molecular biology, so substantial increases in the education
of plant breeders are essential. Most countries are struggling to maintain
strong breeding capabilities. A vital adjunct is the free communication of
resources and capabilities from technology developers to technology users.
Resource and capacity building within breeding programs is essential to
develop novel approaches, particularly in developing countries. Further-
more, developing countries critically need support for the development of
crops, where there has been little interest from the developed world and,
consequently, little investment. In many cases, these “orphan crops,” such
as cassava and plantain, are of critical importance for food security.