A growing range of international agricultural biotechnology expertise exists which seeks to address the challenges posed concerning the transfer of biotechnology to developing countries. This expertise is composed of research programs, advisory programs, bilateral or multilateral donor agencies, and regional or international biotechnology networks. Taken together, they constitute an important source of support and collaboration for developing countries planning or implementing biotechnology. However, products from this research also create challenges for decision makers, research scientists, and the public in developing countries regarding their development, transfer and safe use. As part of their approach, a number of these international initiatives include support for both biosafety and the efficacy of research. This paper will begin by summarizing information contained in a database specifically designed by the Intermediary Biotechnology Service to examine the relation between these internationally supported activities and the needs and capabilities of the national agricultural research programs in developing countries. Following a review of these international activities and their research objectives, the challenges and opportunities which they pose to the developing countries will be explored. The paper will close by summarizing ways to help maximize returns expected from international collaboration, and ways to manage the needs for both efficacy and safety while undertaking research for and with developing countries.