3 August 2007
Investing in Agriculture Conference August 16th
Pewaukee, Wis. – Entrepreneurship and innovation in Wisconsin agriculture is the focus of the upcoming Badger AgVest and the Agricultural Innovation Center’s agriculture investment conference. Mark your calendars for Investing in Agriculture on Thursday, Aug. 16 at the Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center in Pewaukee.
The day-long conference looks at the future impact science, engineering and agriculture will have solving America’s energy needs. A key-note presentation by University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Dean Molly Jahn, will highlight the new Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) and its function to expand the potential of bioenergy. The GLBRC involves scientists and engineers analyzing new technologies to help convert cellulosic plant biomass like cornstalks, wood chips and perennial native grasses to energy for vehicles, power plants and more.
“We need to develop an energy future that’s good for our environment and good for our agriculture and forestry-based economies in both the short and long run,” states Jahn.
In addition, there will be panel discussions on Wisconsin’s emerging alternative fuel developments in ethanol and hydrogen, along with clean technology and bio-technology in agriculture focusing on manure management improvements. The day will close-out with investment presentations from three early-stage Wisconsin-based agricultural companies.
“The choices that we each make now about energy and technology will determine our success tomorrow in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels,” notes Rod Nilsestuen, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). “Wisconsin needs to explore all opportunities to keep our momentum towards expanding our renewable fuels portfolio and building our bio-based economy.”
Take advantage of the Early Bird Registration and save $15 if you register by Aug. 10. Registration includes materials, lunch and breaks – Visit http://aic.uwex.edu to register online.
For more information about the Investing in Agriculture conference contact the program at 608-265-2903 or aic@uwex.edu.
This conference is organized by Badger AgVest LLC, a statewide angel investor network focused on Wisconsin’s agricultural industry, and the Agricultural Innovation Center. Their goals are to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in Wisconsin agriculture by providing business development assistance directly to entrepreneurs and by supporting opportunities in the emerging bio-economy and local food systems.
Major sponsors include the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance; State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions; and Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP.
