The challenges of providing food and fuels to a surging world population is the focus of an Oct. 16-18 conference in Lincoln.
The Heartland Transatlantic Conference on Food and Fuels is sponsored by Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
The conference showcases Nebraska agribusiness prowess. Diplomatic officials from countries including France, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Estonia are expected to join Nebraska representatives at the conference.
The invitation-only conference focuses on the vital role Nebraska agribusiness and research plays in meeting the global demands for food and fuels. Many of the presenters are UNL researchers and faculty.
“Nebraska is one of the leading states in America in terms of agriculture and ethanol production. Nebraska’s significant agricultural capabilities and natural resources will be called on to meet the future food and energy challenges of the world,” Gale said.
“The conference is a wonderful opportunity for diplomatic officials to visit our state, network with key Nebraska representatives and hear about the exciting developments in the state,” he added.
Dr. Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska vice president for agriculture and Harlan vice chancellor of IANR, will deliver the keynote address at the conference.
“Nebraska is truly at the epicenter of innovating food production to meet the challenges of doubling the quantity of safe and high quality food for an anticipated global population of over 9 billion people by 2050,” Green said.
“To be successful, this production must occur while sustaining our natural resource base as well as growing alternative energy sources,” Green said. “The conference speakers will address how we are doing in meeting these challenges through the development and application of new technologies.”
Gov. Dave Heineman will address a conference luncheon.
Gale is hosting the conference in his role as Nebraska’s chief protocol officer for international relations. “This conference is part of my continuing efforts to build strong ties and friendships between Nebraska and the international community,” he said.