Agriculture Secretary Appoints Danforth Center Scientist to Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture
"This advisory committee will come together to continue investigating the challenges of coexistence among different forms of agricultural production," said Vilsack.
Online, June 27, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed Dr. Paul Anderson, Executive Director, Office of International Programs at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture, or AC21.
The AC21 is composed of 22 members from 16 states. Members represent the biotechnology industry, the organic food industry, farming communities, the seed industry, food manufacturers, state government, consumer and community development groups, the medical profession, and academic researchers. Appointees will initially serve one or two-year terms, and may be reappointed to serve up to six consecutive years.
"This advisory committee will come together to continue investigating the challenges of coexistence among different forms of agricultural production," said Vilsack. "I hope this committee will recommend workable solutions that will enhance the ability of all farmers to grow the crops they want in order to effectively meet the needs of their customers."
"I am honored to have been selected to serve and am looking forward to participating in the dialogue about the opportunities and challenges related to biotechnology and its role in shaping a promising future for the U.S. agriculture," said Anderson.
Other appointees include:
Russell C. Redding, Interim Dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Delaware Valley College, in Aspers, Penn., who will serve as Chair of the AC21.
Isaura Andaluz, Executive Director, Cuatro Puertas, Albuquerque, N.M.;
Laura L. Batcha, Chief of Policy and External Relations, Organic Trade Association, Putney, Vt.;
Charles M. Benbrook, Chief Scientist, The Organic Center, Enterprise, Ore.;
Barry R. Bushue, Farmer, Vice-President of the American Farm Bureau Federation and President of the Oregon Farm Bureau, Boring, Ore.;
Daryl D. Buss, Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.;
Lynn E. Clarkson, Farmer and President, Clarkson Grain Company, Cerro Gordo, Ill.;
Leon C. Corzine, Farmer, Assumption, Ill.;
Michael S. Funk, Chairman, United Natural Foods, Inc., Nevada City, Calif.;
Douglas C. Goehring, North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture, Menoken, N.D.;
Melissa L. Hughes, Corporate Counsel and Director, Government Affairs, CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley Family of Farms, Viroqua, Wis.;
Darrin Ihnen, Farmer and Chair, National Corn Growers Association, Hurley, S.D.;
Gregory A. Jaffe, Director, Biotechnology Project, Center for Science in the Public Interest, McLean, Va.;
David W. Johnson, Assistant Director of Research, Cal/West Seeds, La Crosse, Wis.;
Keith F. Kisling, Farmer and Chairman, Oklahoma Wheat Commission, Burlington, Okla.;
Josephine O. (Josette) Lewis, Director, Agricultural Development, Arcadia Biosciences, Davis, Calif.;
Mary-Howell R. Martens, Farmer and Manager, Lakeview Organic Grain LLC, Penn Yan, N.Y.;
Marty D. Matlock, Professor of Ecological Engineering, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark.;
Angela M. Olsen, Senior Advisor and Associate General Counsel, DuPont Company and Pioneer Hi-Bred, Arlington, Va.;
Jerome B. Slocum, Farmer and President, North Mississippi Grain Company, Coldwater, Miss.;
Latresia A. Wilson, Vice-President, Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association, Florida Chapter, farmer, and physician, Ocala, Fla..
About The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a not-for-profit research institute with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Research at the Danforth Center will feed the hungry and improve human health, preserve and renew the environment, and enhance the St. Louis region and Missouri as a world center for plant science. The Center's work is funded through competitive grants and contract revenue from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Agency for International Development and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. For more information please visit www.danforthcenter.org
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