St. Louis, Missouri
January 11, 2002

The delicate balance between maintaining our current standard of living and protecting our environment is an increasingly important issue in the U.S. and around the world. The 2002 Corn Utilization and Technology Conference (CUTC) will explore the growing role of corn in sustaining the environment. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) are again teaming up to co-host this important event. The 2002 CUTC will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo., June 3-5, 2002.

The CUTC gives corn growers, corn refiners, researchers and industry and government representatives the opportunity to explore new uses for corn, as well as share techniques and discuss new ideas. The CUTC is held every other year.

Agenda highlights of the 2002 CUTC include:

• Corn & Biotechnology - A View of the Landscape: A variety of perspectives on the effects of corn and biotechnology on today's growers, refiners and markets.
• Supply Chain Management: A look at ways to increase the efficiency of the supply chain.
• Resource Conservation: An overview of responsible resource management.
• Operations Technologies: Examining ways to make operations environmentally and economically sound.
• Opportunities & Threats for Corn Growers and Refiners: A realistic overview of the positive and negative trends facing corn growers and refiners.
• Corn: Feedstock of the Future: An exploration of the future of corn-based renewables.

The CUTC also features exhibits of corn processing equipment and technology and poster presentations on the latest research related to corn and corn processing with awards going to the top three entries. A golf tournament sponsored by conference exhibitors is also planned.

For 2002 CUTC registration information contact NCGA's Sandra Wright at 314-275-9915 (ext.119), or by e-mail: wright@ncga.com . 

For information on 2002 CUTC exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, please contact CRA's Melanie O'Donnell at 202-331-1634, or by e-mail: modonnell@corn.org . 2002 CUTC agenda and registration information will be updated regularly on the web at http://www.corn.org/web/program.htm . 

The National Corn Growers Association mission is to create and increase opportunities for corn growers in a changing world and to enhance corn's profitability and usage. NCGA represents more than 32,000 members, 25 affiliated state corn grower organizations and the interests of hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs.