Thursday January 29, 2009
GOAL Day at the INL
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See also: On Tuesday, March 20, 2007, I hosted the first of what I hope will be an annual event: GOAL DAY at the INL. Click here to read the news release. GOAL stands for Global Opportunities for Agriculture at the Lab. The event at the Idaho National Laboratory featured tours and discussions on what the Lab has to offer in terms of agricultural- related issues such as commodity research, biofuels, cellulosic ethanol, trade and other topics. It is my intention that Idahoans will become more knowledgeable about how activities at the INL can benefit Idaho farm produces and related business and industry.
Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) was a co-sponsor of the event, which brought together representatives from Idaho commodity groups, agricultural leaders, educators, congressional staff, university and research staff, bankers and leaders, and the Idaho FFA.
We must realize that competitiveness is driven by access to innovation. Production agriculture can reap untold benefits from the extensive work being done at the Lab. Research and development here touches many phases of production and has relevance for alternative cropping, value-added initiatives and, of course now, the excitement being created by the potential for renewable fuels of various kinds.
As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I know that the upcoming Farm Bill will continue to promote agricultural in alternative energy production and that partnering with the INL will bear fruit for Idaho agriculture. Eastern Idaho has the potential to become a national leader in the cellulosic ethanol industry. As the industry develops across Idaho, the Lab has the potential to plan an important role in the development of this exciting alternative to corn-based ethanol. The Lab has a long history of partnerships with other research facilities, land grant colleges, and various research universities in cooperative ventures to maximize research dollars spent. This tour will provide a new appreciation of the INL and its dedicated staff.
The tour includes Idaho commodity groups, agricultural leaders, educators, Congressional staff, university and research staff, agricultural bankers and lenders, and the Idaho FFA.
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