Kansas Agriculture Secretary Adrian Polansky Honored as BIO State Executive of the Year

Boston (May 8, 2007) – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the Kansas Bioscience Organization (KansasBio) today honored Kansas Agriculture Secretary Adrian Polansky with the prestigious BIO State Executive of the Year Award for his leadership and support for biotechnology in Kansas and across the United States. 

“Secretary Polansky is a strong advocate for agricultural production and research, supporting the biotechnology industry in the development of alternative fuels, plant-made pharmaceuticals, and cutting-edge seed technologies,” said Jim Greenwood, president and chief executive officer of BIO.  “The biotechnology industry appreciates his leadership in Kansas to attract biotech research and facilities.  He has also worked with his peers across the country in all other state government to encourage them to explore new technologies to learn how they can benefit their local economies, residents, and the environment.” 

Secretary Polansky was appointed secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture by Governor Kathleen Sibelius in February 2003.  A lifelong Kansan, Secretary Polansky owns Polansky Farms and Polansky Seed, and has served as state executive director of the Kansas Farm Service Agency, served as president of the Kansas Crop Improvement Association, and served as chairman of the Agriculture Council of America.  In addition, Secretary Polansky leads the Biotechnology Policy Committee of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).  In this role, Secretary Polansky has worked with agriculture secretaries and commissioners on biotechnology research, policy, and practices. 

“Under Secretary Polansky’s guidance, Kansas is applying new agricultural production methods and employing new technology innovations,” said Angela Kreps, president of KansasBio.  “Not only have farmers in Kansas benefited from Secretary Polansky’s support of biotechnology, but his work has had a significant impact in energizing rural economies.”

Secretary Polansky received the award during the 2007 BIO International Convention. 

“Secretary Polansky understands the promise of biotechnology to create a better world.  We thank him for supporting and encouraging public policy that enables our industry to pursue this promise,” said Greenwood.

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 health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

The Kansas Bioscience Organization is a state affiliate organization of BIO.  Founded in 2004, the KansasBio is a unified voice representing the biosciences in Kansas. Across the human, plant, animal and industrial biosciences, KansasBio is focused on enhancing the business and research climate and working with leaders across the state to attract and retain bioscience talent, companies and funding.

###