Photonics on Agribiz Agenda

The 2007 International Photonics, Food & Agriculture Conference will address how photonics, optoelectronics and microsystems-enabled technologies can overcome challenges in the agribusiness industry.

"From smart farming, to monitoring pathogens and mitigating infectious diseases, to tracking products through the supply chain, agriculture and innovative technologies are presenting possible solutions to these and many other problems," said the Finger Lakes New Knowledge Fusion Project, which is sponsoring the conference, to be held Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Inn on the Lake in Canandaigua. A wine and cheese reception will follow. Co-sponsors are the International Photonics Commercialization Alliance (IPCA), Cornell University, the Infotonics Technology Center Inc. of Canandaigua, and the New York AgriDevelopment Corp.

The conference will include speakers from production, wholesale, distribution and retail sales who will discuss industrial challenges, advances in addressing agribusiness problems and development needs.

Daniel L. Schmoldt, PhD, national program leader of Instrumentation and Sensors at the USDA, Cooperative State Research, Education & Extension Service, will speak about the government's views on high-rech solutions to agricultural problems. Speakers will also include Tom Facer, vice president of agricultural services at Rochester-based BirdsEye Foods Inc., on the vegetable processing industry, and representatives of the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Center, Battelle AgriFoods, and the wine and wine technology, grape, fruit, dairy and food packaging industries.

The Finger Lakes New Knowledge Fusion project, made possible by a three-year, $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, funds scientific research, new technologies, startup companies and education in the region.

The conference registration fee is $75, or $50 for early registration (through Nov. 2). Discount lodging rates are also available.

For more information, call (800) 228-2801, or visit: www.fusiongrant.org