Farm To Fuel Summit Set

As oil and gas prices continue to hit record highs, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is forging ahead with his efforts to promote the production of renewable energy in Florida, including ethanol made from agriculture waste and other woody products.

Bronson is kicking off the 2008 Farm to Fuel Summit on Wednesday, July 30 to bring together hundreds of industry leaders in agriculture, petroleum, academia, financial institutions and the government who want to make Florida a leader in the production of renewable energy.

Highlights of the summit include a keynote speech from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, a special appearance by NFL Hall of Fame inductee Jack Youngblood, a workshop on bioenergy feedstocks in Florida, presentations from each of the 2008 Farm to Fuel Grant Program recipients.

"With each increase in the nation's oil and gas prices, the need for alternative sources of fuel and energy become more critical," Bronson said. "Florida has the greatest potential for biomass production in the country, and the technology exists to convert natural resources to produce clean, alternative fuel. This conference will bring together all the stakeholders so we can continue working toward the goal of reducing our dependence on foreign oil while at the same time providing another source of income for our struggling farmers."

Participants will hear about where Florida currently stands with biofuels infrastructure, the latest renewable energy technologies and the growing market for carbon credits.

This year's summit is also "going green" by being held at Orlando's Rosen Shingle Creek which in 2007 was designated as a Florida Green Lodge.

The summit will begin with an evening reception on July 30 and conclude at noon on Aug 1.

For more information, visit http://www.FloridaFarmToFuel.com.