Features Production Vegetables
Vineland to host plant genomics conference

February 7, 2011,
Vineland, Ont – Vineland Research and Innovation Centre will be welcoming
scientists and horticulture industry representatives from around the globe to
an upcoming three-day conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

February 7, 2011,
Vineland, Ont – The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (VRIC) will be welcoming
scientists and horticulture industry representatives from around the globe to
an upcoming three-day conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

“This event will bring
together Canadian researchers and internationally-renowned scientists to
explore advances in genomics research within the plant sciences,” said Dr.
Daryl Somers, VRIC’s research director of applied genomics. “Leading edge
research is valued at Vineland, to maximize our impact on industry we need to
bring the best minds in genomics together.”

Early sponsorship
support has been impressive. Contributions from Genome Prairie, Canola Council,
Pioneer Hi-Bred, DNA Landmarks, BioRad, and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) are setting strong examples by industry and
government on the value of this event.

“For over a decade, this
workshop has showcased the investment of genomics-based approaches to plant
science that has demonstrated true value to many industrial partners. We
welcome the opportunity to be a part of this very important event,” said Reno
Pontarollo, CSO of Genome Prairie.

To send a message of
encouragement to young and upcoming scientists, the conference is also
including the CPWG graduate student poster competition. Local and international
students will be awarded up to five grants of $500 and will receive special
recognition following a judge’s panel evaluation.

“This conference is more
than just a session for scientists, it is designed to strengthen the
connections between good research and industry application. Communicating
outcomes to our industry partners will be an important part of the conference,”
said Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO of VRIC.

Outcomes of the workshop
will include strategic relationships with the scientific community, expanded
partnerships with strengthened technology transfer between researchers.

For further information,
visit www.cpgw2011.com or
contact the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.