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Foreword 

Welcome

Dear Delegates

On behalf of the Organising Committee, we take great pleasure in welcoming you to the 4th International Crop Science Congress in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. New approaches to complement traditional methods are needed in scientific research and implementation to feed an increasing world population, improve quality and develop new plant-based products while sustaining the natural resources that underpin global cropping. The Organising Committee has developed an outstanding program featuring many internationally recognised experts, addressing science and community aspects of New Directions for a Diverse Planet. There is an exciting mix of plenary sessions, symposia, workshops, and poster sessions covering the major international topics in crop science in 2004. The 5th Asian Crop Science Conference and the 12th Australian Agronomy Conference are embedded in the Congress program. We look forward to your lively participation.

Please take advantage of the mid-Congress tours and the social program to learn a little about Queensland’s agriculture and strengthen your scientific networks. We know you will enjoy Brisbane in the spring, and if you are participating in Congress tours, or your own pre or post-Congress touring, we hope you take home some great memories of Australia beyond the city limits! We trust you will enjoy your visit and we know you will benefit greatly from your participation.


Dr Bob Clements, Congress President


Dr Ray Shorter, Congress CEO

 

 

Sponsors

Diamond sponsors

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research utilises Australia’s exceptional scientific skills to contribute to Australia’s international development cooperation program through agricultural research partnerships to benefit developing countries. ACIAR collaborates with partner countries in setting priorities and commissioning research to achieve more productive and sustainable agricultural systems that help reduce poverty in the Asia-Pacific region. Crop related research focuses on genetic improvement of crop plants, where appropriate improved crop management, as well as crop protection with an emphasis on bio-security.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) role is to invest in research, development and related activities to benefit Australian graingrowers, the wider grains industry and the Australian community. In doing so, the GRDC invests in research where obstacles to industry’s progress exist and where R&D may be effective in overcoming these obstacles. This includes:• investigating and evaluating the requirements for R&D in the grains industry• coordinating or funding the carrying out of R&D activities• facilitating the dissemination, adoption and commercialisation of the results of R&D

Platinum sponsors

   

The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), manages the Australian Government’s official overseas aid program. Each year the Australian aid program reaches more than 58 million people living in poverty around the world, with our main focus being on the Asia-Pacific region. AusAID, in conjunction with its partners, implements projects which tackle the causes and consequences of poverty in developing countries. The Australian overseas aid program also responds to humanitarian and emergency relief situations, such as helping the victims of earthquakes or cyclones.

CSIRO’s crop science research focuses on discovery of useful genes and gene technologies and the development of profitable and sustainable farming systems. Partnerships with Australia’s cropping industries are fundamental to our research which is aimed at reliable and sustainable productivity growth alongside conservation of soil, water and biodiversity resources. CSIRO’s research includes:
• Sustainable resource management
• Plant breeding
• Integrated biological pest management
• Industry competitiveness

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is focused on achieving profitable primary industries that create jobs, support regional communities, expand exports and drive economic growth for Queensland. DPI&F is proud to sponsor the 4th International Crop Science Congress as it supports the department’s world-leading research on improving crops’ genetic potential, integrating pest management and developing farming systems which are linked to the cropping industries’ priorities of sustainable use of natural resources and long-term profitability along the value chain.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world’s leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers, and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions, and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science company, delivering science-based solutions in food and nutrition, health care, apparel, home and construction, electronics and transportation that make a difference in people’s lives.

Gold sponsors

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is an autonomous, non-profit, agricultural research and training organization with offices in more than ten nations. The Institute’s main goal is to find sustainable ways to improve the well-being of present and future generations of poor rice farmers and consumers while at the same time protecting the environment. Most of IRRI’s research is done in cooperation with the national agricultural research and development institutions, farming communities, and other organizations of the world’s rice producing nations.

The Agricultural Research Service is the principal scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ARS provides access to agricultural information and develops new knowledge to solve technical agricultural problems of broad scope and high national priority. ARS’ 22 national research programs and more than 1,200 research projects are structured to ensure availability of high-quality safe food and other agricultural products, sustain a competitive and viable food and agricultural economy, and maintain a quality environment and natural resource base.

Silver sponsors

The Australian Society of Agronomy is the professional body for agronomists in Australia. In 2004, the ASA departed from its conventional biennial national conference by incorporating the 12th Australian Agronomy Conference within the 4th International Crop Science Congress. Consequently, the ASA was pleased to provide financial and in-kind support for the organisation of the Congress. In 2006, the 13th Australian Agronomy Conference will be held in Western Australia.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is an international, not-for-profit research and training organization that, together with partners in over 100 developing countries, conducts maize and wheat research to benefit the developing world. The center’s outputs and services include improved crop varieties and cropping systems, the conservation of maize and wheat genetic resources, and capacity building. Support for CIMMYT’s work comes from the members of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), national governments, foundations, development banks, and other public and private agencies.

   

Bronze sponsors