Thursday, March 29, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Touts Agriculture, Biotechnology in Trade Mission
JEFFERSON CITY–As part of his trade mission to Italy, Gov. Matt Blunt today is highlighting Missouri's agriculture and biotechnology industries in meetings with Italian leaders and business partners.
"Missouri's position at the heart of America's agriculture and biotechnology industries is second to none," Blunt said. "Our agricultural history and foundation together with new and emerging technology harnessed by employers like Monsanto work to strengthen our position as a global leader in agriculture and plant technology."
Overall, the agriculture industry has contributed nearly $27 billion to Missouri's total gross state product. Today, the governor is meeting with agricultural specialists from the U.S. Italian Embassy, the Italian government and representatives from some of Italy's top agriculture and biotechnology corporations, among them Monsanto - Italy.
With headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, Monsanto has an international presence that straddles the globe.
"Governor Blunt has been and continues to be a stalwart supporter of agriculture and biotechnology, not only in Missouri, but across the United States," said Frank Plescia, Senior Director of State and Local Government Affairs for Monsanto Company. "This mission builds on the progress of his EU trade mission last March and provides a good opportunity for Missouri agriculture to be well represented with a key European trading partner."
During the trade mission, the governor is emphasizing Missouri's strong agriculture industry and spotlighting ongoing success and developments in plant sciences. Missouri's beef quality initiative, ethanol standard and biofuel incentive funds, and state of the art plant research facilities are examples of the state taking the lead to compete on a global scale.
Today's meetings are part of the governor's trade mission to Italy. The Hawthorn Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan statewide organization formed to assist both public and private efforts in promoting Missouri's economic development initiatives will sponsor the governor's trip.