Former USDA Secretary speaks at Alltech symposium

The event will be held 20-23 April, 2008, in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, and will focus on the role agriculture can play in cultivating the ‘Greenest Generation’.

Secretary Johanns will be speaking alongside David Byrne, former European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, and Osler Desouzart, Brazilian economist, contributing his expertise and ideas for green solutions to feed, food and fuel quandaries. The speakers will each share their views on these issues from their perspective and experience in their corner of the world.

“Having world-renowned experts like Mike Johanns, David Byrne and Osler Desouzart sharing the stage to address the industry is a unique opportunity and it’s one that we’re proud to offer,” said Dr Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech.

Secretary Johanns’ strong ties to agriculture date back to his childhood, spent on a dairy farm. Prior to his tenure with the USDA, he served as governor of Nebraska. He also gained first hand experience in international trade through his participation in World Trade Organization negotiations and promotion of the US-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement.

Alltech’s Symposium will be inciting delegates to redefine the industry as a leader of the ‘Greenest Generation’ by rethinking technology and business practices. The Symposium will also urge delegates to find constructive ways in which we, the agriculture industry, can respond to the green revolution.