In case you didn’t make it to BIO 2006 there’s another conference coming up in Toronto you might want to check out. It’s the 2nd annual Agri-Food Innovation Forum. If you are feeling “elite” then you can be one of the “elite gathering of researchers, academics and executives involved in bioproduct innovation in Canada and beyond.” Actually elite is a better word than exclusive.
Canadian Farmer Biotech Advocate
At the recent BIO Convention I got to speak with Canadian farmer Jim Pallister. Jim was attending thanks to the Council for Biotechnology Information. Jim grows canola, edible beans and wheat. He’s an outspoken advocate of the benefits of biotechnology.
Biotech Grows In South Africa
Thanks to the Council for Biotechnology Information I was able to meet two very interesting men from South Africa at the BIO 2006 Convention. Pictured with me in the middle are Advocate Mdutshane (L), a corn grower and tribal leader and Dr. Khosi Rebe (R), who is the assistant director of the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture. Both of these guys are supporters of biotechnology.
Farm Leader Now Farm Podcaster
When your farmer board members tell you to podcast, you podcast. That’s what Dean Kleckner, Truth About Trade & Technology is doing. We brought his podcast to your attention recently and at the BIO 2006 Convention I got to ask him about it. You can hear his answer here: 
Kleckner Soundbite (30 sec MP3)
BIO 2006 Photo Album
It’s Good Friday and not a day to do a lot of posting so I’m only going to provide you with my Photo Album from the BIO 2006 Convention. I didn’t get to go to the Career Fair but I found this picture from the BIO website.
Former CIA Director Talks Renewable Fuels
The plenary breakfast speaker today, R. James Woolsey, Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton, Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, just finished speaking. He really focused on how biotechnology can play a role in our national security. Besides what most people probably think of first in terms of cures or innoculants for bio-terror induced disease he spent a while talking about energy and independence from terrorist controlled foreign oil.
BASF Plant Science Debuts At BIO
BASF Plant Science held an end-of-day press conference to talk about their intent to dedicate more than $320 million over the next three years to develop biotechnological optimized crop plants.
Beyond Borders Biotech Report Released
Ernst & Young publishes an annual report on the biotechnology industry. The latest edition was just announced, titled, “Beyond Border: The Global Biotechnology Report 2006.”
New Zealand Dairy Business At BIO
I’ve been looking for a story on biotechnology related to dairy that I could use on World Dairy Diary. It hasn’t been an easy search. However, I was introduced to Dr. Suzanne Bertrand, Innovation Manager, Livestock Improvement. This is a genetics company based in New Zealand.
How Biotech Is Perceived In Russia
The U. S. Grains Council and Illinois Corn Growers hosted a group of ag journalists from other countries this past week or so. Last night they were treated to an event here at BIO 2006 which took place at the Lincoln Park Zoo.