National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Biotechnology Working Group members Martin Barbre and Helen Inman attended the BIO 2005 Annual International Convention in Pennsylvania this week to sit in a broad range of biotechnology sessions.

NCGA member Fred Yoder was a featured speaker and discussed the rules and thresholds for organic certification, liability, and how farmers growing biotech traits and those growing organically can live in harmony.

“As corn growers deal with the biotechnology industry it is very helpful to see the diverse and complex nature of the industry as a whole,” said Barbre, vice chairman of the Biotech Working Group. “This was a very educational and informative meeting which allows you to interact with both industry and regulators at the same time. I have a much better understanding of the biotech industry and how agriculture fits into it.”

The four-day event featured a broad range of sessions on biotechnology including a Global Biotechnology Forum, a Global Health Symposium and a workshop on Doing Business and Research in Europe in addition to 175 other educational sessions and workshops.

“These were informative sessions on food and agriculture and provided many opportunities for us to interact with other stakeholders in the bio sector,” said Inman. “It was a good conference and it really allows you to appreciate the diversity of biotechnology.”

In addition to the broad range of information sessions available and key world officials in attendance, biotechnology research, collaborations and economic incentives were also announced at the event.