NCGA Notes Cellulosic Summit Good Opportunity to Advance Alternative Energy Ideas (10-6-06)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) will join agricultural, biotech, chemical and oil companies at the Cellulosic Ethanol Summit in Washington, D.C., Nov. 13-15 to discuss the future of a national cellulosic ethanol industry.

NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Jon Doggett will represent corn growers at the event and will participate in a roundtable discussion, “The Agricultural Community's Perspective on the Value Chain.” Other panelists include: Tom Buis, National Farmers Union president; Duane Grant, owner and manager of Grant Four-D Farms; Richard Hamilton, Ceres, Inc. president and CEO; and Dale Schuler, National Association of Wheat Growers president. The roundtable discussion will be moderated by Ernest Shea, project coordinator of the 25 x 25 coalition.

“As the renewable fuels market continues to grow, ethanol made from corn combined with cellulosic ethanol will be key players in the industry,” said Doggett. “Together, cellulosic and corn ethanol will provide opportunities in the renewable fuels industry for our growers The conference is a great opportunity for NCGA to continue as a leader in biofuels as we all seek to grow alternative energy.”

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, “Agriculture’s Role in Building a National Cellulosic Ethanol Industry.”

Among the issues to be discussed at the event are discussions on developing a national cellulosic ethanol industry; key technical, organizational, economic and financial challenges facing the industry; and the types of relationships needed to support cellulosic ethanol.

For more information, visit www.infocastinc.com/cell06.html or call 818-888-4444.