St. Louis, Missouri
May 8, 2002

Corn growers, corn refiners and researchers will all benefit from knowledge and relationships gained at the 2002 Corn Utilization and Technology Conference (CUTC) by exploring the growing role of corn in sustaining the environment. Just around the corner, the 2002 CUTC will be held June 3-5, 2002, at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) are teaming up again to host this important event.

"CUTC offers a prime outlet for corn growers and refiners to discuss areas of mutual concern and further strengthen the dynamics within the corn industry," said NCGA Director of Business Development Rene Shunk. "There will be several industry representatives on hand to talk to growers and it will be a great opportunity for our members and other growers to see what's new in the world of research."

The conference will open with a keynote address by Jean-Marie Peltier, Counselor to the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator on Agriculture Policy.

"The lineup of speakers for the 2002 CUTC is impressive and will ensure that attendees leave with their appetites for learning satisfied," said CRA Senior Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs Jennifer Snyder. "We have incorporated many opportunities for interaction with the speakers and researchers throughout the conference to maximize the personal experience for each attendee."

Technical sessions during CUTC will highlight biotechnology, resource conservation, supply chain management, operations technologies, opportunities and threats for corn growers and refiners, and corn as the feedstock of the future.

The CUTC also features exhibits of corn processing equipment and technology and poster presentations on the latest research related to corn and corn processing. A golf tournament sponsored by conference exhibitors is also planned.

For the first time, CUTC will offer first, second and third place Outstanding Poster Awards. The poster awards will encourage new research of interest to corn growers and the corn wet milling industry.

For 2002 CUTC registration information contact NCGA's Sandra Wright at 314-275-9915 (ext. 119), or by e-mail: wright@ncga.com . 

For information on 2002 CUTC exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, please contact CRA's Melanie O'Donnell at 202-331-1634, or by e-mail: modonnell@corn.org . 

2002 CUTC agenda and registration information is updated regularly on the web at http://www.corn.org/web/program.htm
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The National Corn Growers Association mission is to create and increase opportunities for corn growers in a changing world and to enhance corn's profitability and usage. Membership includes 32,000 corn growers in 48 states and 42 affiliated state corn grower organizations.  

The Corn Refiners Association, Inc. represents U.S. corn wet milling companies that refine over a billion bushels of corn into starches, sweeteners, ethanol, feed ingredients, vegetable oil, organic acids, amino acids and polyols. Membership includes 25 plants in the United States.