BIO Contributes to FFA in support of youth science education.

Press Release Summary:



To support innovative science projects for high school students, BIO presented the National FFA Organization with a $15,000 contribution. The money will help support a new pilot contest within FFA (Future Farmers of America), through which students will produce videos explaining benefits and sustainability of modern agricultural methods. Importance is placed on providing students with resources needed to further science-based understanding of how to feed a growing global population.



Original Press Release:



BIO Contributes $15,000 to FFA to Support Youth Science Education



WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, October 02, 2009) - In a show of support for expanding innovative science projects for high school students, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has presented the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America) with a contribution of $15,000. BIO's contribution will go largely to support a new pilot contest within FFA through which students will produce videos creatively explaining the benefits and sustainability of modern agricultural methods.

"BIO recognizes the importance of providing America's high school students with the resources needed to further their science education, specifically a science-based understanding of how to feed today's growing global population," said Sharon Bomer Lauritsen, Executive Vice President, Food and Agriculture at BIO. "Biotechnology is one answer to the challenge of how to feed, fuel and heal the world in the 21st century." She added, "Today's FFA student members will likely be tomorrow's agricultural leaders, so helping them understand today's real-world challenges and cutting edge solutions is a high priority."

The FFA "Sustainability through Biotechnology" pilot project will offer students the chance to win new equipment for their chapter by producing winning videos that creatively highlight the benefits of modern agricultural methods such as seed technologies that produce more yields per acre and farming practices that are more environmentally friendly. The prizes will be presented by biotechnology industry leaders on-site at the winning chapters' schools in early 2010. More information on the program can be found at www.FFA.org.

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.

About the FFA

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

Upcoming BIO Events

BIO Investor Forum
October 28-29, 2009
San Francisco, CA

Advanced Business Development Course
October 30, 2009
Vienna, Austria

BIO Europe International Partnering Conference
November 2-4, 2009
Vienna, Austria

Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy
November 8-11, 2009
Honolulu, HI

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