West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
April 18, 2014

Context Founding Partner, Tray Thomas, recently addressed a distinguished audience of nearly 600 participants joining together to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug. At the Borlaug Summit on Wheat for Food Security, Thomas presented an Outlook for Wheat: international trade and growth opportunities. The meeting brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and representatives of leading agricultural research-for-development organizations, both public and private. Also speaking were keynote speakers Howard Buffett and Sir Gordon Conway.

Held March 25-28 in Cuidad Obregón, Mexico, The Summit honored the life and legacy of Norman E. Borlaug, and sought to inspire a new generation to carry on his work. The event was organized by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI) and the Patronato for Research and Agricultural Experimentation of the State of Sonora (PIEAES).

In his presentation, Thomas noted significant events in wheat technology development since the early 90’s when leading companies began initial research and development (R&D) on transgenic wheat. As part of this historical perspective, he noted the shift in commercial and grower support of biotechnologies as well as the ongoing collaborations and acquisitions that have occurred within the seed industry in recent years (reflecting a change in seed developers’ willingness to invest in this industry). Various seed technologies in the R&D pipelines and the potential impact of those potential products were also shared.

Thomas said, “It is critical that we pool our knowledge, experience and information in this industry to make the significant advancements that are required to feed and clothe a growing global population. The concepts and information shared by this distinguished group of global thought-leaders will no doubt have a positive impact on individual companies and farmers who implement effective strategies for wheat production around the world. Ultimately, that supports and sustains food security.”

The Context Network is the world’s premier agriculture and bioscience management consulting firm, helping each client achieve exceptional results and advance agriculture. Context provides business management and strategy consulting services to agriculture, biotechnology and food companies, and government agencies and institutions. Major areas of expertise include strategy, merger and acquisition support, valuation of new technologies, formation of alliances, and opportunity analysis. Based in the U.S. and with offices on four continents, Context is comprised of a core of professional executive consultants and is complemented by a global network of hundreds of industry and subject-area experts on-site worldwide.

Website: http://www.contextnet.com

Published: April 18, 2014