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Biotech in Our Backyard Panel to Highlight Agricultural Innovation in New England Region

May 23, 2018

Washington, D.C. (May 23, 2018) – Even with the abundance of high-profile international companies that will converge in Boston for the 2018 BIO International Convention, it’s difficult to overstate the work that is being done in Boston’s backyard. The New England region is one of the top life sciences clusters in the world, with Boston being home to many bioscience companies.

At “Food, Health and Environment Future Day” at the 2018 BIO International Convention on Tuesday, June 5, BIO will take you on a virtual tour of the companies located in the convention’s backyard to showcase the importance of agricultural biotechnology in the New England region. From animal food producers to agricultural innovation companies to farmers, the “Biotech in Our Backyard: New England’s Booming Food and AgTech Innovation Ecosystem” panel, will explore all aspects of food and agriculture biotechnology.

Introductory remarks will be given by Vermont’s Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts, who will discuss the importance of agriculture innovation in Vermont, as well as the state’s efforts to partner with innovators in the region to reduce phosphorous pollution through its Phosphorous Innovation Challenge.

The panel will be moderated by Ron Stotish, president and CEO of AquaBounty Technologies, headquartered northwest of Boston in Maynard, Massachusetts.  The company’s AquAdvantage® Salmon is the first and only genetically engineered food animal to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to date.

Other panelists include:

  • Mark Cooper, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Lebanon, Connecticut
  • Victor Guzov, Monsanto, Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • Al Kriz, Bayer LifeHub, Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • Joanna Lidback, Dairy Farmer, Barton, Vermont

The BIO International Convention, the world’s premier life sciences event, will take place at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, June 4-7. Hosted by BIO, the 2018 event is expected to attract more than 16,000 attendees and 1,800 exhibitors from 74 countries. 

Advance media registration is now available for qualified reporters working full time for print, broadcast and web publications with valid press credentials.

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