“Pioneers of a Cutting Edge Science” Convene at Livestock Biotech Summit

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, September 28, 2010) - The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) kicked off its first-ever Livestock Biotech Summit this morning setting the stage for three days of discussions around the promises of animal biotechnology.

At the Summit’s opening session, attendees listened to welcoming remarks and speeches by South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds, BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood and Bruce Knight, founder of Washington, D.C.-based Strategic Conservation Solutions and former Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Governor Rounds described the Livestock Biotech Summit as “truly international” because its 200+ attendees represent eight countries including Canada, China, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and the United States.

Most notably, Governor Rounds announced plans to develop a new, state-of-the-art “South Dakota Biotech Animal Research Facility.”  While more details are still forthcoming, the announcement provided an appropriate kick-off to discussions among industry, academic and government leaders on the many possibilities in the realm of animal biotechnology.

“We are only at the beginning of the contributions of animal biotech to improving our world, but we can already see the shape of things to come,” said Greenwood. “Genetically engineered animals can advance human health; this science can optimize animal welfare; it can improve industrial products and provide sustainable and environmentally friendly food sources in agriculture and aquaculture.”

In Knight’s remarks, he said the Summit’s discussions should appropriately focus on the improved efficiencies and advancements in animal agriculture made possible by biotechnology, and the impact of these advancements on the world.  “Livestock agriculture has gone global,” said Knight and he identified six “mega trends” in animal agriculture:

1.      Concentration
2.      Efficiency
3.      Human population growth
4.      Sustainability
5.      Animal care and husbandry/stewardship
6.      The “Foodie” movement

Innovators must focus on the most consumer oriented trends in order to be successful said Knight.  And we must have the appropriate “regulatory balance.”

Greenwood agrees. “Maintaining the right policy environment is especially critical for the progress of animal biotechnology,” he said.  “Opponents of genetically engineered animal science often seek to politicize and sensationalize the review process for products that benefit human and animal health.
BIO fought hard for and will continue to be a strong advocate for maintaining a rigorous, thorough, and science-based regulatory and review process for bringing these products to market in a safe manner.”

Concluding his remarks, Knight told attendees, “you’re on the cusp on some of the most exciting technical developments that man has ever seen.”  Rounds said, “you are the people who really gets things done.” Greenwood described Summit attendees as “pioneers of a cutting edge science.”

“Thanks to your brilliance and your dedication, your work will improve the lives of millions, if not billions of people,” said Greenwood.  “I believe your discussions and meetings over the next few days will shepherd us toward even more astounding milestones in animal biotech in the coming years.”

Complete Program Information is available on the Livestock Biotech Summit website (http://www.bio.org/livestockbiotechsummit/).  

Media Registration
All programs at the Livestock Biotech Summit are open to attendance by members of the media.* Complimentary media registration is available to editors and reporters working full time for print, broadcast or web publications with valid press credentials. Valid press credentials include:

• Official photo identification from employing news agency
• A by-lined story from employing news agency dated within the last six months
• A publication masthead listing you as an editorial contributor.  Freelance journalists may also apply for complimentary media registration, but must present:
  • A signed letter on company letterhead from your assignment editor confirming your assignment to cover the event
  • A by-lined story dated within the last six months

*Web-based, college, and freelance reporters are strongly encouraged to register in advance. Please note that marketing executives, sales representatives, public relations executives, analysts, consultants, authors and researchers may not register as media.

BIO Acknowledges the Support Provided by the Livestock Biotech Summit Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

• Hematech, Inc.
• South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development
• Trans Ova Genetics

Gold Sponsors

• AAALAC International
• Exemplar Genetics
• South Dakota State University

Silver Sponsors

• Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Animal Care - USDA
• Sigma-Aldrich
• University of Illinois

Bronze Sponsors

• Prince Edward Island BioAlliance
• South Dakota Biotech Association
• ViaGen, Inc.

Upcoming BIO Events

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

BIO Investor Forum
October 5-6, 2010
San Francisco, CA

BIO Intellectual Property Counsels Committee Fall Conference and Committee Meeting
October 18-20, 2010
Boston, MA

Advanced Business Development Course
November 12-14, 2010
Munich, Germany

BIO-Europe International Partnering Conference
November 15-17, 2010
Munich, Germany

Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy
December 11-14, 2010
Honolulu, HI

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 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. BIO produces BIOtech Now, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtech Now.

For more information:

• Visit http://www.bio.org
• Follow us on Twitter @IAmBiotech
• Join us on LinkedIn/MyBio
• Become a fan at facebook.com/IAmBiotech

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