AMES, Iowa - Experts from around the world will gather to share current research and perspectives on seed trade and biotechnology innovation April 27-28 in Ames, at the seventh annual symposium of Iowa State University's Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products (BIGMAP).
The symposium, "Food, Feed, and Fuel for the World: Seed and Biotechnology" will be from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 27, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 28, at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center, 2100 Green Hills Dr., Ames.
"Increased attention is being given to food and fuel production challenges around the world," said Jeff Wolt, professor of agronomy and co-organizer of the event. "This event will offer attendees special insight into the barriers and issues concerning quality seed accessibility and production at the global level.
"It will also offer the rare opportunity to speak face-to-face with individuals who are advancing infrastructure and technology change in developing regions of the world that will result in the increased sustainability and improved livelihoods of farmers."
Highlights of this year's symposium include presentations by Jack Bobo, senior advisor on biotechnology, U.S. State Department, speaking on "Agriculture Arrives Late to the Climate Debate," Delphine Guey, French Association for Seeds and Seedlings (GNIS), discussing "A European Perspective on Challenges and Issues for Seed Trade," Joe DeVries, director of the Program for Africa's Seed Systems, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, talking on "Seed Enterprise Development Challenges in Africa," and Yilma Kebede, senior program officer for agricultural development, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, addressing "The Role of Foundations in Global Agricultural Development."
Anyone interested in attending the symposium can register by calling (515) 294-6222 or visiting www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/bigmap/home.html.
The symposium was made possible with funds from the Food, Feed and Fuel Initiative: Iowa and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural
Products provides public-based expertise in risk assessment,
communication and mitigation strategies for agricultural
biotechnology. For more information about BIGMAP, visit
www.bigmap.iastate.edu.