October

2003 International Biotechnology Information Conference

Dates: Oct. 11-15, 2003

Locations: Des Moines, Iowa

This event is an opportunity for representatives from governments, international forums, international industry and others concerned with the science and management of agricultural biotechnology to discuss and see firsthand the rigors of the U.S. regulatory process, the state of agricultural biotech testing procedures, segregation of crops, environmental precautions and certification processes employed by U.S. farmers. The conference is cosponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Nebraska Corn Board and National Corn Growers Association.

August

2003 Southern Africa Biotech Communicators’ Workshop

Dates: August 7-8, 2003

Locations: Pretoria, South Africa

Key regional communicators, including scientists, healthcare workers and key decision-makers in agriculture, health, education and environment in the Southern Africa region, were trained at the workshop on how to communicate effectively on food, agricultural, environmental and medical biotechnology to targeted communities and the press.

June

2003 Biotechnology Media Tour

Dates: June 22-28, 2003

Locations: Washington, D.C.
Lincoln, Neb.

With research in the ag biotech sector burgeoning around the world, the U.S. Grains Council works to sponsor opportunities for foreign media to make firsthand observations of the management and science of agricultural biotechnology through direct contact with U.S. growers, regulators, academics, researchers and industry.

May

2003 European Union Biotech Mission

Dates: May 31-June 7, 2003

Locations: United Kingdom
Ireland
France
Germany

Consumers and decision-makers in Europe are a key audience for the issue of biotech acceptance. Staff and member specialists with the U.S. Grains Council and the National Corn Growers Association met with representatives from life science companies, the European governments and local industry groups to assess policy developments at the levels of the EU Commission, EU Parliament and member states. These activities helped effectively guide the Council in advancing a science-based approach to biotechnology regulation.