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BIO Announces W.R. Gomes, Ph.D. and Bruce Knight to Speak at 2010 Livestock Biotech Summit

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, May 18, 2010) - The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today announces that W.R. Gomes, Ph.D., Vice President Emeritus of the University of California will be the keynote speaker and Bruce Knight, Principal and Founder of Strategic Conservation Solutions will be the introductory speaker for the 2010 Livestock Biotech Summit, scheduled for September 28-30, in Sioux Falls, S.D.

“We are honored to have Dr. Gomes and Bruce Knight speak at our first-ever Livestock Biotech Summit and we welcome their insights about animal biotechnology and the future of genetically engineered animals in agriculture,” said Sharon Bomer Lauritsen, executive vice president, Food and Agriculture for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). “We know that their participation will contribute greatly to this unique conference.”

Dr. Gomes’s presentation will focus on developing global solutions through animal biotechnology.  Gomes recently retired from the University of California, where he served as Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the university-wide system, Director of the California Agricultural Experiment Station, and Director of California Cooperative Extension.

Bruce Knight will give an overview of animal agriculture focusing on the increasing importance of animal care.  Formerly the Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at USDA and Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Knight is a nationally recognized expert on conservation, agriculture, and the environment.  He is currently a consultant focused on conservation and environmental issues related to agriculture.

The Livestock Biotech Summit will provide participants three days of cross-cutting discussions among industry, academic and government leaders.  The first day and a half of the conference includes a unique workshop tailored specifically to the care of agricultural animals in research as well as an interactive presentation on the newly revised Ag Guide. The second half of the conference is focused on genetically engineered animals, switching to lively sessions around such topics as real life case studies of products weaving their way through the regulatory process, food and biomedical applications, and funding opportunities for animal biotechnology research.

To register for the conference, go to www.bio.org/livestockbiotechsummit and click on the “register” button.  Additional information on multi-level sponsorship opportunities and program details can also be found here.

All programs at the Livestock Biotech Summit are open to attendance by members of the media. Complimentary media registration is available to editors and reporters working full time for print, broadcast or web publications with valid press credentials. Valid press credentials include:

  • Official photo identification from employing news agency
  • A by-lined story from employing news agency dated within the last six months
  • A publication masthead listing you as an editorial contributor.  Freelance journalists may also apply for complimentary media registration, but must present:
  • A signed letter on company letterhead from your assignment editor confirming your assignment to cover the event
  • A by-lined story dated within the last six months

**Web-based, college, and freelance reporters are strongly encouraged to register in advance. Please note that marketing executives, sales representatives, public relations executives, analysts, consultants, authors, and researchers may not register as media.

BIO is pleased to acknowledge the support provided by the Livestock Biotech Summit sponsors, which include:

  • AAALAC International
  • Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Animal Care – USDA
  • Hematech, Inc.
  • South Dakota State University
  • Trans Ova Genetics
  • University of Illinois
  • ViaGen, Inc.

 

Upcoming BIO Events

World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
June 27-30, 2010
Washington, DC

BIO India
September 21 - 22, 2010
Hyderabad, India

BIO’s Livestock Biotechnology Summit
September 28-30, 2010,
Sioux Falls, SD

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

For more information:

  • Visit http://www.bio.org
  • Follow us on Twitter @IAmBiotech
  • Join us on LinkedIn/MyBio
  • Become a fan at facebook.com/IAmBiotech

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