The NBAF and the BIO International Convention

The High Plains Journal ran a great recap of Kansas’ presence at the BIO International Convention recently. The NBAF was highlighted as an excellent example of the kind of facility that’s needed to protect our nation’s food supply and agriculture economy.

Here are a couple of highlights from the article.
“National leaders in biosecurity and government converged in Chicago recently at the world’s largest annual biotechnology convention and described the urgent need for accelerated research to protect the American food supply and agriculture economy.

“At the Biosecurity Conference at the BIO International Convention, food and agriculture security were called essential to public health and the world economy, with the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility highlighted as a prime example of the kind of approach required for improved biosecurity.

“Kansas Bioscience Authority president Tom Thornton said the NBAF demonstrated how coordinated national action will address a global bioscience challenge.

“With the NBAF, we have the federal government arm in arm with regional, state, and local partners in both the public and private sectors,” Thornton said. “This is exactly what we need to solve serious biosecurity threats, and when it comes to food safety in particular, Kansas is contributing its world-class infrastructure, resources, and expertise to meet a national need…”

“…Biosecurity is a high-profile topic at BIO this year, complete with a dedicated biosecurity zone within the BIO exhibit hall and the first-ever, two-day Biosecurity Conference. In the biosecurity zone, the Kansas Bioscience Authority and Kansas State University are showcasing Kansas’ national biosecurity leadership with an exhibit featuring the NBAF, K-State’s Biosecurity Research Institute, the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, and more…”