NCGA Playing Big Role in USDA/DOE Biofuels Conference (9-19-06)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is taking part in “Advancing Renewable Energy: An American Rural Renaissance,” the first-ever conference jointly hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Oct. 10-12 in St. Louis. The conference will bring together key stakeholders in biofuels, wind, solar and other renewable energy sources.

NCGA CEO Rick Tolman will be master of ceremonies for the first day of the conference. The association also is a sponsor of the event and will have a booth on the exhibit floor.

“It is pretty exciting to have such a significant role at the event,” said Ken McCauley, NCGA first vice president. “USDA and DOE asked NCGA if we would be a part of it, and we immediately said, ‘Yes.’ It’s a testament to the strength and reach of our grower-led organization.”

President George W. Bush’s call to increase the United States’ renewable energy capabilities spurred the formation of the conference. The president’s Advanced Energy Initiative calls for increasing ethanol production, expanding access to wind energy through technology, and making solar photovoltaic technology cost competitive by 2015.

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns and Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman are the keynote speakers on the first day of the conference. Many government officials, industry, investors and producers are expected to attend.

“It will be a comprehensive conference,” McCauley said. “This is the perfect event for growers, government officials, industry and forward-thinkers to gather and discuss the trends of the present and the future. It is also good to see rural development will be highlighted with Under Secretary Tom Dorr’s speech.”

McCauley will be at the event and encourages other growers to attend.

“Any grower that has an interest in renewable energy could really get a handle on the future of the industry and other aspects of value-added opportunities,” he said. “This conference should give you the confidence that the future of renewable energy is bright. More importantly, growers have the unique opportunity to have a voice in framing future renewable energy policy.”

For more information and to register, visit http://www.technologyforums.com/6EN/.