An educational event co-sponsored by the USDA National Agricultural Library and Bioversity International. The program will examine the importance of bananas and plantains in meeting the food and economic needs in tropical regions around the world. Bananas and plantains fill this critical niche in large measure because of their rich biodiversity. Maintaining the biodiversity of the banana is challenged by increased globalization of markets which focus on only a few cultivars; as well as disease, pest and other environmental factors. The program will provide a brief overview of the relevant science, development programs, and policies.

• Richard Markham, Bioversity International — Bananas as a Fundamental World Crop
  Review Dr. Markam's Presentation (28 MB)
• George Wilson, United States Agency for International Development — Development programs supporting tropical banana production, especially for small farmers
  Review Dr. Wilson's Presentation (PPT | 444 KB)
• Eric Rosenquist, Agricultural Research Service , USDA — Orphan tropical crops, where they fit within current research programs
• Chris Town, J. Craig Venter Institute — An update on the genomic sequencing status for banana
  Review Dr. Town's Presentation (PPT | 4.6 MB)
• June Blalock, Agricultural Research Service, USDA — the International Plant Genetics Resources Agreement as it relates to banana breeding and conservation efforts
  Review Ms. Blalock's Presentation (PPT | 146 KB)
• Susan Fugate, National Agricultural Library, USDA — Treasures of the National Agricultural Library

"No End to the Banana", Bioversity International traveling exhibit open to the public 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, through March 27, 2008. Participants are encouraged to view the exhibit before and after the program. View online exhibit. (PDF|1749KB)

Information Centers at the National Agricultural Library will have materials on display from 1 to 4:30 pm on March 26.

• Alternative Farming Systems
• Food and Nutrition
• Food Safety
• Rural
• Invasive Species

Treasures of the National Agricultural Library:

• Original rare watercolors
• Scientific and Technical Literature

Advance Registration is Appreciated: E-mail us.
Advance registration will facilitate clearing security and entry to the program and allow the organizers to prepare for anticipated attendance.

• In your message please include your name and affiliation
• You will need a photo ID to enter the building
• Driving and travel directions to NAL