September 1999 - Austin, TX

The application of biotechnology to agriculture is reshaping agriculture and agribusiness at a scale that is revolutionary in scope. For example, the value of transgenic crops is expected to increase to $6 billion in 2005 and reach $20 billion by 2010. But as a leading agricultural state, is Texas positioned to reap the full benefits of this emerging bio-based economy? Are we competitive with other states and nations to discover new genes, develop new products and nurture new startup companies? This summit was designed to bring together not only biotechnology professionals, but people who will be impacted by or who will make decisions concerning agricultural biotechnology in our state, including farmers and ranchers, agribusinesses, government officials and university scientists and educators. The feedback and discussion received from summit participants will be used to develop a strategic plan to position Texas as a national and world leader in agricultural biotechnology and allied life science technologies, helping the state reap the economic benefits from the development, transfer and application of these technologies to food, fiber and health products.

Publications

News Stories

Links to Biotechnology Web Sites

The Planning Committee for this Summit included the following people: