Top policymakers from more than 20 countries will take a first-hand look at U.S. grain production and handling Oct. 15-21 at the fifth International Biotechnology Information Conference, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Nebraska Corn Board and National Corn Growers Association.

The conference is expected to draw some 70 international governmental regulators. “As an example, we’ll have representatives from such forums as the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,” explained U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ken Hobbie. “These are key audiences. The decisions they make will have a significant impact on the future production and trade of grain and grain products derived from biotechnology.”

The conference will focus on international agreements and national safety regulations that apply to modern biotechnology. In addition, participants will gain insight into the agricultural commodity chain in Iowa and Nebraska while also learning the practice of risk assessment, risk management, risk communication and decision making.

“International understanding of biotechnology is critical to opening markets around the globe. By bringing the decision makers to our corn fields, we are giving them firsthand knowledge regarding corn production in the United States,” said Craig Floss, CEO of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and the Iowa Corn Growers Association. “Participants will follow the steps from research and new genetics/traits development to the very soil where we plant our corn to the elevator and on to the grocery store. Their journey is one not only of the corn kernel, but also the corn processing chain. This conference provides a unique opportunity for attendees to see U.S. corn production in the heartland and how that relates to corn uses at home.”

Nebraska Corn Board Executive Director Don Hutchens added, “This conference allows us to explain the science and environmental benefits of biotechnology and why U.S. corn producers use it. It also gives attendees the opportunity to talk with U.S. corn growers right in their cornfields. That’s where we really start to break down any remaining myths that exist about biotechnology. We know the science behind biotechnology is on solid ground. We just don’t want the rest of the world to be misled by those who don’t always present all of the facts.”

A number of organizations came together to make the International Biotechnology Information Conference work. This year, the Council partnered with the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Nebraska Corn Board and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) to organize and host the conference. In addition, the Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa has been working with the Council in an effort to bring eight Washington-based African diplomats to participate in the farm visit. “NCGA has always enjoyed going to the conference,” said Ron Litterer, NCGA first vice president.

“Corn growers get a unique opportunity to visit with international guests and explain how biotechnology has helped the American farmer while also learning about their issues with biotechnology. The event allows the groups to discuss biotechnology in a candid and open manner.”

For more information on this conference, please contact Cheri Johnson or Lynn Petrinjak at (202) 789-0789.

The U.S. Grains Council is a private, non-profit partnership of farmers and agribusinesses committed to building and expanding international markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and their products. The Council is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has 10 international offices that oversee programs in more than 50 countries. Financial support from our private industry members, including state checkoffs, agribusinesses, state entities and others, triggers federal matching funds from the USDA resulting in a combined program value of more than $25 million.