| NCGA Provides Farmer Perspective to Genetics Researchers |
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| Written by NCGA | |
| Wednesday, 18 March 2009 | |
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Washington, DC - At a conference on maize genetics last week, sponsored in part by The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), nearly 500 corn researchers were able to share their findings with peers and discuss the future of maize genome sequencing and learn the farmer’s perspective. Among those attending was Pam Johnson, chairwoman of NCGA’s Research and Business Development Action Team.
“We believe that research is essential to keep corn as the premier economically important crop to supply all our customers’ needs - livestock, energy, exports, new uses, and future high value biobased products,” Johnson said. “Corn is the model plant for research in grasses, crops, and biofuels and we are poised at a time to make a great contribution to society for food, feed, and energy on a renewable platform.” In her presentation, Johnson gave an overview of NCGA’s mission and structure and interest in research projects to help create and increase opportunities in the marketplace for farmers. NCGA’s main role in genetics is to support and strengthen private and public funding for maize genetic research. The key program of interest is the National Plant Genome Initiative, a program NCGA helped create, which is currently funded at $102 million. In 2008, the corn genome draft sequence was completed. Also important, Johnson noted, was the creation last year of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This improves the visibility of competitive research grants and raises the profile of agricultural research, extension and education. Johnson concluded her presentation with an update on research and agriculture funding in the economic stimulus package recently signed by President Obama. |
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