BIO-Hosted Media Luncheon addresses need for increased food security.

Biotechnology Industry Organization Apr 29, 2010

Press Release Summary:

Taking place in Chicago, IL on May 5, BIO's media luncheon will address need for increased food security as well as roles for biotechnology to help combat world hunger. "When Politics Impedes Progress to Combat Hunger" will explore political and regulatory hurdles that prevent acceptance of agricultural technologies as well as access to biotechnology by certain populations. Specifically, speakers will examine role of science and technology in helping producers grow food more sustainably.

Original Press Release:

BIO Hosts Media Luncheon at 2010 BIO International Convention

Panel to Discuss the Potential for Ag Technologies to Combat Global Hunger

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WHAT:
"When Politics Impedes Progress to Combat Hunger," a media luncheon on the need for increased food security and the role that technology can play.
Speakers will address:

Political and regulatory hurdles that prevent acceptance of agricultural technologies and prevent certain populations from accessing biotechnology's benefits;

The role of biotechnology in helping to achieve global food security, a priority of the Obama Administration;

The role of science and technology in helping producers around the world to grow food more sustainably; and

Products that resist diseases and pests are resilient to drought and freezing temperatures and/or are fortified with more healthful nutrients.

WHO:
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) will present a panel of speakers including:

Dr. Channapatna S. Prakash, Plant Molecular Geneticist and Director of the Center for Plant Biotechnology Research, Tuskegee University

Pam Ronald, Professor of Plant Pathology and Chair of the Plant Genomics Program at the University of California, Davis, and author of the book, Tomorrow's Table

Michael Specter, Staff writer at The New Yorker, and author of the book, Denialism: How Irrational Thinking Hinders Scientific Progress, Harms the Planet, and Threatens Our Lives

Margaret Zeigler, Deputy Director, Congressional Hunger Center

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m. CST

WHERE:
Media Center, Room S106B - McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill.

BIO International Convention

Seating at this event is limited. The luncheon will be open to registered media on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information about the Convention program, please visit http://convention.bio.org/program/

The BIO International Convention helps to support the association's programs and initiatives.

BIO works throughout the year to create a policy environment that enables the industry to continue to fulfill its vision of bettering the world through biotechnology innovation. For more information on the global event for biotechnology, including program, registration, and housing information, please visit http://convention.bio.org/

Upcoming BIO Events

Partnering for Global Health
May 3, 2010
Chicago, IL
McCormick Place Convention Center

BIO International Convention
May 3-6, 2010
Chicago, IL
McCormick Place Convention Center

2010 BIO Human Resources Conference
May 4-7, 2010
Chicago, IL

World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
June 27-30, 2010
Washington, DC

BIO India
September 21 - 22, 2010
Hyderabad, India

BIO's Livestock Biotechnology Summit
September 28-30, 2010,
Sioux Falls, SD

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.