TIME: biotech seeds improve productivity of US farming

TIME discusses the contributions of US agriculture to fueling economic growth, noting that biotech seeds help the environment and improve crop yields.  

The article points out, “a number of innovations have made U.S. farmers significantly more productive than they were just two decades ago. Bioengineered seeds mean they can use smaller amounts of pesticides and water.” Read more.

Wall Street Journal: Chinese companies investing in biotech

According to the Wall Street Journal, a large Chinese seed producer plans to expand its development of agricultural biotechnology to help feed the world’s most populous nation. This is “an important sign of China’s growing appetite for U.S. crops and biotechnology.” Read more.

The Hawaii Crop Improvement Association (HCIA) has opened its 4th annual Dr. James L. Brewbaker Scholarship contest. Dr. Brewbaker helped establish the Corn Research Program at the University Of Hawaii College Of Agriculture in the 1960s and founded HCIA.

Three scholarships will be awarded to Hawaii high school students graduating in 2010 in the amount of $1,500, $1,000 and $500 for essays that best address how innovations in agricultural biotechnology benefit Hawaii now and in the future. The essay submission deadline is April 30, 2010.

Visit www.hciaonline.com for more information and an essay submission application.