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Farmers' Role in Energy and Chemical Industries Explored at World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 14, 2006) -- Over the past three years, there have been significant advances in industrial biotechnology and bioprocessing of agricultural feedstocks. The third annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing, to be held July 11-14, 2006 at the Toronto Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, will bring together scientists, business leaders, and policy makers to address the role of agriculture and the farming community role in sustainable industrial development. The Congress is hosted by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), American Chemical Society, the National Agriculture Biotechnology Council, the Agri-Food Innovation Forum, the Chemical Institute of Canada, BIOTECanada and EuropaBIO.

Sessions focusing on agricultural sources of feedstocks for the energy and chemical industries include:

·              The Importance of Agricultural Feedstocks for Bioenergy Production – Wednesday, July 12 at 1:45 p.m.
Representatives of Canadian and U.S. companies, including Anna Rath, Ceres; Joe Bouton, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation; and Maurice Hladik, Iogen, look at the latest genetic improvements in traditional energy crops and new crops, such as switch grass, designed to boost biofuels production.

·              Biomass Harvesting and Soil Nutrients – Thursday, July 13 at 10:15 a.m.
What will be the impact of cellulosic biomass collection on soil quality and the environment? Steven Fales, Iowa State University; Wallace Wilhelm, USDA Agricultural Research Service; Luca Zollo, Cargill; and John Sheehan, NREL review the latest research.

·              Enhanced Utilization of Corn – Thursday, July 13 at 1:45 p.m.
Corn is likely to be one of the first crops used for production of ethanol from cellulose. Thomas Robb, Abengoa; Qu Yinbo, Shandong University; and Neal Jakel, Renessen look at the latest technologies for turning corn stalks into ethanol.

·              The Potential of Energy Crops-- Friday, July 14 at 8:30 a.m.
David Bransby of Auburn University, Emily Heaton of the University of Illinois, and Edward Richard of USDA examine the potential of switchgrass, miscanthus and other dedicated energy crops to meet the transportation fuel demands of the United States.

·              America’s Energy Future: Role of the Agricultural and Forestry Community – Friday July 14 at 10:15 a.m.
Economic and environmental aspects of using agriculture as the feedstock for energy production will be discussed by Ernest Shea, Natural Resource Solutions; Bill Richards, 25x’25 Campaign; Bill Horan, Grower; and Peter Nelson, Biodimensions.

·              Genetic Improvement of Energy Crops and Associated Benefits – Friday July 14 at 8:30 a.m.
Ken Vogel, USDA; Steven Thomas, Ceres; and Steve Strauss, Oregon State University will review the latest developments in agricultural biotechnology for energy crops.

Advance media registration for the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing is now available online until June 30. Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media. To register and or to view the program, please visit http://www.bio.org/worldcongress/. Only reporters and editors working full-time for print or broadcast news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials. All freelancers and online publications must register in advance by Friday, June 30, 2006.

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

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