Biotechnology Workshops Scheduled for Feb.23

The North Dakota State University Extension Service is sponsoring two workshops on Monday, Feb. 23, aimed at discussing the diverse perspectives of biotechnology. Those wishing to participate can attend the sessions at one of 12 videoconferencing sites across North Dakota. The first workshop is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. The second will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The workshops consist of three 30-minute presentations plus an extra 30 minutes at the conclusion for interactive question and answer discussion. There is no registration fee but those wishing to participate should register because space is limited at some videoconference sites. The workshop agenda and registration information is available at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/biotech/workshop.html . Registration information is also available by contacting Melanie Ziegler at (701) 231-7171 or by e-mail at mziegler@ndsuext.nodak.edu.

“The NDSU Biotech Team is continuing their efforts to bring biotechnology education to educators, agency representatives, commodity groups and interested citizens in our communities,” according to Phil McClean, NDSU Department of Plant Sciences professor and member of the biotech team. “The team mission is to provide research-based information that will allow producers and consumers to see and hear both sides of the biotechnology issue so they can draw their own informed conclusions.”

McClean will start the workshops with a discussion on the diversity of perspectives regarding biotechnology. Duane Berglund, NDSU Extension Service agronomist, will follow with a presentation regarding the costs of production of genetically modified grains compared to conventional methods. Bill Wilson, NDSU Agribusiness and Applied Economics professor, will provide an update on the status of genetically modified wheat in North Dakota.

Morning videoconference sites include: Carrington Research Extension Center, Dickinson Research Extension Center, Grasslands Research Extension Center, North Central Research Extension Center, Langdon Research Extension Center, Williston Research Extension Center and NDSU IACC room 422.

The afternoon videoconference sites include: Burleigh County Extension Office, Divide County Extension Office, Griggs County Extension Office, McKenzie County Extension Office, Pembina County Extension Office, Hettinger Research Extension Center and NDSU IACC room 422.

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Source: Phil McClean, (701) 231-8443, phillip.mcclean@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu