Frontiers of Cacao Science and Technology for Cacao Quality, Productivity and Sustainability
May 31, 2016 @ 09:00 am
to June 2, 2016 @ 06:00 pm
Symposium, College of Agricultural Sciences
The Huck Institute of the Life Sciences
_ _ We are pleased to invite you to attend the symposium "Frontiers of Cacao Science and Technology for Cacao Quality, Productivity and Sustainability" to be held May 31th-June 2, 2016 at University Park, PA. Detailed information about the symposium and registration can be found at the links below. Event Summary _ Event Agenda _ Event Registration Climate change, pests and diseases, unimproved planting material and growing consumer markets especially in Asia, present major challenges to sustainable cacao production. Around the world, plant biologists are developing and applying new integrative approaches to address these challenges. This symposium will bring together scientists working at various levels to develop solutions for cacao agricultural systems of the future. During the first afternoon of the meeting we will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Penn State Program in the Molecular Biology of Cacao with a special review session and participation of VIP attendees who were instrumental in starting our program. The following two days of this international event will focus on the latest achievements in cacao science. The topics will include genomics, genetic diversity, germplasm discovery and utilization, breeding, climate change and mass propagation delivered by the leading cacao scientists around the world. _ To foster attendee interaction, facilitated discussions will explore how to translate genomics research to accelerated breeding and what are the traits needed for the cacao of the future. Invited keynote speakers and speakers selected from poster abstract submissions will be included in the program. The symposium will also include poster sessions, tours of Penn State research facilities, a Gala/dinner and a post-conference tour of Local farms including visits to local Amish and artisanal farms. Abstract submission and early bird registration deadline: February 28th, 2016. Register early for this much anticipated event as the total number of attendees is limited by venue size. Early bird registration is only $235 (with modest additional charges for optional reception, gala, research farm tour and dinner, and a local farm tour). The symposium is offering a limited number of modest travel awards. Individuals from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. Travel funds will be awarded by the symposium committee based on research content and relevancy to the symposium theme. The committee will place the most consideration on the applicant's financial need and the written justification for the travel award. _ _ Sincerely, Scientific and Organizing Committee Frontiers in Science and Technology for Cacao Quality, Productivity, and Sustainability _