August 11, 2011

Chief Scientific Adviser to UK government to speak at JSR's 22nd Technical Conference

UK-based pig genetics company JSR Genetics will hold their 22nd Technical Conference, entitled "The Next Agricultural Revolution", with Sir John Beddington, Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK government (GCSA), as the keynote speaker.

The conference will be held on September 13 at Nottingham University's Sutton Bonnington Campus.

Beddington will also present his paper "The future of food and farming: challenges and opportunities" at the conference.

"Having Sir John Beddington present his views on the future of the pig industry, and take questions, is a real honour for JSR," said Tim Rymer, chairman of JSR. "His opinion on the importance of genetic development, sustainable intensification and environmental responsibility are pertinent to the future of all livestock producers."

Beddington recently commissioned the Foresight Report, a comprehensive review to date of food security, the findings of which warn that population growth and climate change will endanger food supplies in the future.

Dr Grant Walling, managing director of JSR, will speak on the need for radical changes in his address "Revolutionising Global Pork Production".

"Substantial worldwide growth has seen an increasing focus for JSR on the South American market and large scale projects in Russia and Eastern Europe as well as China and South East Asia," said Dr Walling, adding that JSR is in advanced trials with a new sire line with the potential to be launched in 2012.

Other presenters include representatives from the pig supply industry, who are also facing challenges of keeping pace with rapidly changing industry demands.