17th ISMS Congress set for May: Harvesting a Vision.

The 17th International Congress of the International Society for Mushroom Science (ISMS) will be held May 20-24, 2008 in Cape Town, South Africa. The organizing committee has put together a program of interest to scientists, growers, researchers, suppliers, marketers, educators and partners around the conference theme Harvesting a Vision. In addition to presentations on the latest research and cutting edge technologies in the scientific program, organizers say networking opportunities will be a highlight of the Congress. The Congress Trade Show will have a strong international representation and delegates can learn about the very latest mushroom production and marketing equipment from suppliers around the globe.

"The organizational plans for this wonderful opportunity to meet scientists and growers at the same forum are progressing well," said the Chairman of the South African Mushrooms Farmers Association (SAMIA) Ross Richardson. "We are looking forward to the exchange of ideas between the laboratory and industry. As the funding pool for research gets smaller, the direction of research has to be more focused. To do this, research plans must be debated to identify the critical needs of commercial mushroom farmers. To this end I believe that the Congress will bring the two important groups of people closer together and fine tune everyone's needs."

Keynote Speakers and Topics for the Conference Include:

* Mary Jo Feeney, MS, RD, United States, "Nutrition Research--The Future Begins Now"

* Dr. Lise Korsten, South Africa, "Food Safety Assurance in the Mushroom Industry"

* Chen Liangcheng, China, "A General Review of the Chinese Mushroom Industry"

* Dr. Juluri Rao, Northern Ireland, "The Enigma of Double Stranded DNA Associated with Mushroom Virus X"

* Dr. C. Peter Romaine, United States, "Underground Drugs: Manufacture of Biopharmaceuticals in Mushrooms"

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* Dr. Han Wosten, The Netherlands, "Genomics of Mushroom Forming Fungi"

In addition to the scientific agenda, a special grower's program is planned with world-renowned mushroom experts who will give talks on practical subjects such as composing and climate.

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Since South Africa is an emerging economy, an important part of doing business in the country is about reinvesting in people less fortunate then others. The SAMFA committee has decided to establish a trust so any profits from the Congress will be invested into it for the sole purpose of uplifting people. According to SAMFA Secretary Rod Cairns, "All the committee members have given time freely and it is our intention to raise enough money to create a trust that will annually make donations to needy causes allied to the mushroom industry. This means that delegates, sponsors and exhibitors attending the Congress will not only be learning and sharing new information, but will also help the needy and less fortunate people of South Africa."

Special discounts are available for air travelers using South African Airways. For more information including abstracts and online registration, visit the Congress Web site, www.isms2008.co.za

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