NCGA to Participate in International Biotechnology Conference (10-13-06)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) will participate in the fifth annual International Biotechnology Information Conference in Iowa and Nebraska Oct. 15-21 to highlight biotechnology to an international group of policymakers.

The conference, sponsored by NCGA, Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and U.S. Grains Council (USGC), is expected to host more than 70 attendees.

NCGA First Vice President Ron Litterer and Director of Biotechnology Paul Bertels will represent the association at the event. ICPB and Iowa Corn Growers Association CEO Craig Floss and NCB Executive Director Don Hutchens also will attend.

Iowa corn grower and NCGA member Gordon Wassenaar will host a farm tour for conference attendees on Oct. 18.

“NCGA has always enjoyed going to the conference,” said Litterer. “Corn growers get a unique opportunity to visit with international guests and explain how biotechnology has helped the American farmer while also learning about their issues with biotechnology. The event allows the groups to discuss biotechnology in a candid and open manner.”

The conference will focus on international agreements and national safety regulations that apply to modern biotechnology. In addition, participants will gain insight into the agricultural commodity chain in Iowa and Nebraska while also learning the practice of risk assessment, risk management, risk communication and decision making.

“We’ll have representatives from such forums as the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,” explained USGC President and CEO Ken Hobbie. “These are key audiences. The decisions they make will have a significant impact on the future production and trade of grain and grain products derived from biotechnology.”

Corn growers planted biotechnology traits on 61 percent of corn acres in 2006.