Contact: Kathleen Phillips, (979) 845-2872,ka-phillips@tamu.edu
WHAT: A Summit on Biotechnology for Agriculture, Food, Fiber, and Health
WHY: To develop a strategic plan that will make Texas a national leader in agricultural biotechnology and allied technologies
WHERE: Omni Southpark Hotel, 4140 Governor’s Row, Austin, Texas
WHEN: Sept. 29-30
WHO: Scientists, investors, economic development specialists, policy makers, agricultural interests, food processors, consumers and natural resources leaders
PLAYERS: * Dr. Gene Nelson, Texas A&M University agricultural economics department head and summit leader.
* Dr. John Mullet, Texas A&M University Crop Biotechnology Center director and summit program planning committee chair.
* Ralph Hardy, National Agricultural Biotechnology Council
* Roger Wyse, Burrill and Co.
* J. B. Penn, Sparks Commodities
* Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs
WORKING GROUP ISSUES:
* the role of Texas universities in developing biotechnology and the diffusion of innovation to producers and consumers
* managing the impact of biotechnology for maximum benefit and minimal risk for consumers and natural resources
* coordination of the marketing chain for biotechnology derived products
* new alliances and organizational structures needed
* policies and institutions needed to facilitate the transfer of biotechnology from labs to commercial development
* specific biotechnology applications and key technologies that should be emphasized in Texas
SPONSOR: Texas Agricultural and Natural Resources Summit Initiative, an apolitical forum begun in 1993 for people concerned about Texas’ food, fiber, and natural resources, and founded on the principle that Texans can find workable solutions to any challenge.
CONTACT: Kathleen Phillips, (979) 845-2872,ka-phillips@tamu.edu (until Sept. 22)
Dave Mayes, (979) 845-2803,d-mayes@tamu.edu (prior to Sept. 28 or during the summit at the Omni Southpark Hotel, (512) 448-2222.
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