President Clinton Highlights Use of Biotechnology to Improve Agriculture and the Environment, and Alleviate Disease

		Former President Bill Clinton met with farmers from eleven countries April 11 at the BIO 2006 Annual International Convention in Chicago. Front Row (left to right): Raduta Puica (Romania), Ravinder Brar (India), Advocate Mdutshane (South Africa), Jose Maria Telles Rasquilha (Portugal), Jose Manuel Pomar (Spain), Dr. Khosi Rebe (South Africa) Back Row (left to right): Al Skogen (USA), Mark Williams (USA), Jim Pallister (Canada), Former President Bill Clinton, Jacques Beauville (France), Jairo Marcos Kohlrausch (Brazil), Johnny Avellaneda (Argentina). (PRNewsFoto/Biotechnology Industry Organization) CHICAGO, IL UNITED STATES

Agricultural Biotechnology Will Play a Significant Role in Feeding and Healing Developing Countries CHICAGO, April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Speaking on April 11 at the BIO 2006 International Annual Convention, Former President Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, discussed the importance of biotechnology in addressing food security and health issues in the developing world. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060414/DCF024 ) "The first obligation of society is to feed its people," said Clinton. "Biotechnology can help us feed more people while addressing environmental concerns such as global climate change." Clinton also discussed the importance of efficiently managing agricultural production. Climate change and top soil erosion are two key aspects of environmental health that agricultural biotechnology can address. The third is energy policy. "I'm proud to have supported the development of crops improved through biotechnology and the creation of science-based regulations during my Administration. These crops reduce inputs, allow us to grow more food on less land, and easily transfer technology to people in the developing world. When we empower individuals to feed and care for their families, it is a good thing." "All of these applications of biotechnology -- agricultural, environmental, energy, medical -- have the potential to lift people out of poverty. This integration of communities will lead to greater global security." "President Clinton is a tireless advocate for many of the challenging issues that face mankind such as global health, and ending poverty and hunger in developing nations," said James C. Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). "As President Clinton emphasized today, biotechnology has the potential to improve the world for future generations." BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. Note to editors: A complete transcript of President Clinton's speech is available at: http://www.bio.org/events/2006/media/comments/clinton.asp