FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, September 12, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt to Discuss State’s Economic Commitment to Plant Science
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt will join members of his Governor’s Advisory Council for Plant Biotechnology tomorrow to discuss Missouri’s economic commitment to the developing plant science and agricultural industries.
The nine member panel will meet for the first time beginning at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 North Warson Road, St. Louis. Blunt has appointed Dr. Roger Beachy, president of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to head the council.
"There is vast potential for future economic growth in value-added agriculture and plant life sciences and I am committed to forming strong partnerships among farmers, business, scientists and government to create high quality jobs for Missourians," Blunt said. "Missouri is in a unique position to take a leading role in these critical areas and this council is a significant step in reaching that goal."
Created by the governor in April, the council is charged with analyzing the state’s current life sciences environment to determine how the state can better capitalize on the industry’s potential, serving as an aggressive recruitment committee to attract new life sciences companies to Missouri and determining if a state-based regulatory structure is desirable.
Members of the council are: Fred Ferrell, director, Missouri Department of Agriculture; Greg Steinhoff, director, Missouri Department of Economic Development; Dr. Bill Danforth, chairman, board of Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and chancellor emeritus, Washington University; Charlie Kruse, President, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation; Dale Ludwig, executive director/CEO Missouri Soybean Association; Dr. Jerry Caulder, former chairman and CEO, Mycogen Corp.; Dr. Nicholas Kalaitzandonakes, endowed professor, agribusiness and director, Economics and Management of Biotechnology Center at the University of Missouri-Columbia; and Melvin D. Booth, retired president and COO, MedImmune, Inc.
###