Event to Spotlight Food Advances

Indiana's life sciences initiative will host an event next month in Indianapolis focused on food and agriculture innovation. The BioCrossroads Frameworx session will feature executives from companies including Beck's Hybrids in Hamilton County and Hancock County-based animal health product manufacturer Elanco.

Just a reminder before you head out for the holiday, please register for BioCrossroads' next Frameworx session on Tuesday, December 3 from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Indiana Food and Agriculture Innovation Initiative – A New Strategic Effort to Advance Indiana.

Nearly a decade ago, BioCrossroads commissioned a broad-based review of Indiana's key life science assets. That review resulted in the identification of eight focus areas that were believed to hold significant opportunity for economic growth in the coming decade. Agricultural science and technology was identified as one of these areas. In an effort to take a deeper look into the sector, BioCrossroads released a report in 2012 “Food and Agricultural Innovation – 21st Century Opportunities for Indiana” which identified the need to organize a forum focused on long-term strategic opportunities in the sector.

Since that report, BioCrossroads has been further exploring Indiana's food and agriculture technology resources and innovation assets. The December 3rd Frameworx session will provide an update on the progress of this effort and the vision for a future initiative.

Beth Bechdol, Director of Agribusiness Strategies at Ice Miller, will lead a discussion with state, industry and academic representatives including:

• Lieutenant Governor, Sue Ellspermann, State of Indiana

• Jay Akridge, Dean, College of Agriculture, Purdue University

• Sonny Beck, President, Beck's Superior Hybrid

• Kim Friesen, Senior Director Food Animal Product Development, Elanco

• Mike Lemmon, CEO, Whiteshire Hamroc

• Gary Morris, CEO, Clabber Girl

• Don Orr, President, JBS United

This Frameworx session will take place at D'Amore the 48th Floor of Chase Tower at 111 Monument Circle in Indianapolis. A light breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. and the event will end at 11:00 a.m. A parking garage is available on Pennsylvania between Ohio and Market.

Source: BioCrossroads