On September 24, 2007, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago held a conference on the role of research and development in agriculture, biotechnology and the food industry. It focused on policies that promote industry growth and rural development. This conference brought together those interested in research and development (R&D) issues facing agriculture and related sectors of industry, particularly biofuels and food manufacturing. The goals of the conference were to examine R&D from a midwestern perspective, explore the implications of R&D for industry growth and discuss the influence of government R&D policies on industries and rural development. Orion Samuelson, agribusiness director at WGN Radio Chicago since 1960, presented the keynote luncheon speech.
The Role of R&D in Agriculture and Related Industries: Today and Tomorrow
09/24/07
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Welcome and Opening Remarks
William Testa, Vice President and Director of Regional Programs, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Chris Bloom, Technology Commercialization Task Force, Economic Development Council of Chicago
Richard Paullin, Illinois Global Partnership
Session I: Agriculture R&D and Funding
Speakers
David B. Oppedahl, Business Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Eric C. Larson, Founder and Managing Partner, Linden LLC
Mark E. Cook, Professor Animal Science, University of Wisconsin
Break
Session II: Biotechnology and Food R&D
Speakers
Beth Calabotta, Biodiesel and Oilseed Innovation Technical Lead, Monsanto Company
Martin Cole, Director, National Center for Food Safety and Technology, Illinois Institute of Technology
Lunch
Introduction
Charles L. Evans, President and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Keynote
Orion Samuelson, Agribusiness Director, WGN Radio
Session III: Biofuels R&D
Speaker
Seth Snyder, Section Leader for Chemical and Biological Technology, Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory
Session IV: Panel Discussion: What Are the Best Policies to Promote Ag-related R&D? The Perspectives of the Midwest, Nation and World
Moderator
William Testa, Vice President and Director of Regional Programs, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Speakers
John Caupert, Director, National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center
Jeffrey D. Armstrong, Dean and Professor, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University
Robert L. Thompson, Gardner Chair in Agricultural Policy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
