UCC conference to turn spotlight on biotechnology in agriculture

EXCITING developments in biotechnology, including next generation biofuels and bioenergy, will be discussed at a four-day conference in Cork later this month.

Wed, 13 Aug, 2008 - 01:00

University College Cork is the venue for the August 24-27 Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference (ABIC 2008) which will be attended by scientists from all over the world.

Teagasc is the principal sponsor of the event.

This is the first time the conference is being held in Ireland and it will bring together the leading scientists, industry participants and academics from around the world involved in this sector.

Biotechnology innovations in areas such as biofuels and bioenergy, animal and plant breeding, marine, health, dairy and food will be discussed at the UCC conference.

ABIC 2008 chairman Professor Jimmy Burke, Teagasc, said the theme for the plenary session on Monday, August 25, is “Ag-Biotech: The sustainability challenge facing society and the economy”.

This theme will set the tone for what promises to be a very important conference in progressing the debate on the use of biotechnology in European agriculture.

“The conference combines the business of science with the latest discoveries and trends in research and technology development, and gives the research and business community opportunities to meet and exchange ideas.

“Sessions on the challenges and opportunities experienced in Australia, Europe, the United States, China and Canada will bring a global perspective to the discussions,” he said.

Dr Charles Spillane, head of the Genetics and Biotechnology Lab at UCC and chairman of the ABIC Programme Committee, said Ireland and the EU need to more fully embrace the development of a sustainable bio-economy.

He said bio-refineries can provide new energy, jobs and sustainable production processes supported by new forms of agricultural production.

A trade exhibition will run concurrently with the conference.

Scientists will also present and discuss their findings through a poster session.