BIO '99 In Seattle Showcases Agriculture's Harvest Of Hope

March 31, 1999 (Washington, D.C.) - Environmentally sustainable agriculture and great tasting, more healthful foods are the focus of "Agriculture's Harvest of Hope" at the BIO "99 International Biotechnology Meeting & Exhibition, May 16-20, 1999 in Seattle, Washington.

BIO '99 is the annual meeting of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, and is expected to attract a record 5,000 company executives, scientists, and government officials from 40 nations. The conference will feature more than 125 presentations including developments in medical, agricultural and industrial biotechnology. More than 500 exhibitors also will display their most up-to-date product innovations.

BIO President Carl B. Feldbaum said, As we enter the new millennium, biotechnology is center stage in virtually every effort to improve our lives. At this conference we will highlight remarkable scientific achievements, and explore their social, legal and ethical implications."

BIO '99 Agriculture's Harvest of Hope offers a concentrated day of agriculture programming Tuesday, May 18. Highlights include -

• "Challenges in Agriculture" examines global trade, insect resistance management, impact of herbicide tolerant crops and state-of-the-art combinatorial biomolecule discovery for agriculture.
• "Visions for the Future" showcases biotechnology's role in nutritional security for the developing world, pharmaceutical production in plants, greenhouse gas abatement and health benefits of functional foods.
• "The Blue Revolution" looks at product innovation and environmental stewardship in aquaculture.
• "New Trees on the Horizon" is a special symposium exploring the science, issues and value of forestry biotechnology.
• "Biotech Farmers Market Reception" gives everyone a chance to sample products of biotechnology such as potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes and foods made with canola and soybean oils.

Editor's Notes: Daily briefings will be held in the morning to highlight sessions and events and press conferences will be scheduled for major announcements. BIO's communication staff can also assist in setting up interviews with conference presenters and speakers.

Registration at BIO '99 for credentialed members of the press is complimentary. For your convenience, a fully operational press room with computers, modems, and Internet access will be available for the entire meeting.

To register for the conference, click on the BIO '99 button on the homepage and fill out the electronic form.

BIO represents more than 850 biotechnology companies, academic institutions and state biotechnology centers in 46 states and more than 25 nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health care, agricultural and environmental biotechnology products.

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