The **CRC SIIB, principal sponsors of this year's *ASSCT, will highlight some of the Australian sugarcane industry's latest biotechnology research, including major outcomes to be reached by the CRC during its seven-year period.
The CRC SIIB will wind up its research on 30 June 2010, making this year's ASSCT their final presentation to the Australian sugarcane industry.
Guest speakers and a display booth with information on the CRC SIIB's work will feature at the event. A short presentation has been put together and will be screened at ASSCT to showcase the CRC's major outcomes. The CRC SIIB will also host guest speaker, Professor Erik Mirkov, from Texas AgriLIFE Research, to talk at ASSCT about the success of GM sugarcane and sugar beet in the United States.
According to CRC SIIIB Chief Executive Officer Dr Peter Twine, his Centre's research and development outcomes are proof that a cooperative venture between research, industry, government and commercial groups can make big advances in a short time frame. He said the Centre's impressive effort would help to improve the long-term commercial and 'green' potential of Australian sugarcane.
"Our CRC has developed state-of-the-art breeding tools to help breed environmentally friendly and higher performing new varieties – outcomes that will lead to a more secure and profitable future for Australian sugarcane," Dr Twine said.
"We have also developed promising new products based on sugarcane such as a basis for numerous health products that could tackle diabetes, and a 'green' packaging product which could meet growing national and international demands for recyclable waterproof paper.
"During our seven years, we have brought together some of the world's best agricultural biotechnologists to map out a new future for the Australian sugarcane industry. And, many biotechnology students have been given the opportunity to work on real-life projects focused on commercial outcomes."
The CRC SIIB was established by the Australian Government under the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) program, and supported by a powerful combination of sugarcane biotechnology expertise and commercial investment.
Since its inception in 2003, the CRC SIIB's researchers and students have been making great progress towards harnessing the true potential of Australia's richest energy crop. The CRC SIIB will keep its web site active as an industry and science resource covering major achievements in sugarcane biotechnology. To find out more go to: www.crcsugar.com.au .
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*The Australian Society of Sugarcane Technologist's (ASSCT) Conference is an annual event that draws together sugarcane industry specialists to discuss sugarcane growing and milling innovation. This year’s event will be held in Bundaberg from May 11 to 14. www.assct.com.au
**The Cooperative Research Centre for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology (CRC SIIB) was established to add new value to Australian sugarcane. It is a unique alliance of Australia's top sugarcane biotechnology research organisations including four Universities, sugar industry research organisations, Federal and Queensland State Governments, and commercial expertise.
Established on 1 July 2003 under a seven-year joint research agreement, its Head Office is at The University of Queensland in Brisbane. The CRC's scientists and research scholars are based in Brisbane and in sugarcane towns throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales. The CRC SIIB entered the commercialisation phase of its research in July 2006. www.crcsugar.com
For more information contact:
CRC SIIB Communication
Julie Lloyd
M: 0415 799 890