USDA plans International Technology Conference

AgExporter, Sept, 2002

USDA will host a ministerial-level International Conference on Agricultural Science and Technology early next year. The conference will focus on the needs of developing countries in adopting new technologies and the role of partnerships in improving access to technologies. In Home in June, at the World Food Summit: Five Years Later, U.S.

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman said that everyone benefits as more countries understand and share the benefits of scientific and technological innovation in agriculture. Biotechnology and other agricultural production, processing and information technologies have the potential to significantly boost farm yields, cut food waste, encourage environmentally sustainable production and offer new marketing opportunities for farmers. The conference agenda will cover access to technologies, scientific research, the relationship between regulatory practices and innovation, and the creation of partnerships to help developing countries adopt new technologies to increase agricultura l productivity. The dates and location for the conference will be announced later this year.