Subj: the GE trees are coming
Date: 02-12-20 18:33:24 EST
From: [log in to unmask] (Jim Diamond)
Sender: [log in to unmask] (Biotech Forum)
Reply-to: [log in to unmask] (Biotech Forum)
To: [log in to unmask]
Here's a reminder that GE trees are on their way. The idea is to use
a combination of of genetic engineering and clonal reproduction to
domesticate trees as an agricultural crop. This is from an industry press
release:
ArborGen's current research projects include the development of faster
growing trees to improve the productivity of tree plantations; methods to
produce trees that are straighter, resistant to disease and have improved
structural wood properties; and studies on gene discovery and function that
contribute important traits in trees, such as wood quality and yield. These
innovations enable forest owners to grow more wood on less land -- and
better meet the increasing demand for wood products such as paper and
packaging.
Dr. Wells, the company's new CEO, brings a strong scientific and commercial
background to the role of shaping and driving this research and growth. She
comes to ArborGen from Emergent Genetics, where she was Vice President for
Latin America, and Monsanto, a global leader in biotechnology development,
where she spent 17 years as a product manager and developer.
And here's the full PR in case you have the time:
Biotech Startup ArborGen Establishes Headquarters Near Charleston, SC
Wednesday December 18, 11:20 am ET
Company Also Names New CEO To Drive Growth Strategy
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- ArborGen, LLC, a startup
company focused on the commercialization of research and development for
forest biotechnology, today announced its new corporate headquarters near
Charleston, South Carolina.
The company signed a long-term agreement to lease state-of-the-art research
facilities that offer the opportunity to expand their biotechnology
services. ArborGen specializes in developing and commercializing
technology, products and services that provide environmental and
productivity benefits for the forestry industry.
In addition to the facility announcement, ArborGen recently named Dr.
Barbara H. Wells as its new Chief Executive Officer.
The new headquarters and CEO are a key strategic combination, according to
Dr. Maud Hinchee, Chief Technology Officer for ArborGen. "Barbara Wells'
experience and accomplishments help give us the unique positioning to be
the leading global company in forest biotechnology. In addition, our new
headquarters offer the resources that allow us to create technologies that
improve productivity in plantation forests and reduce the need to harvest
from important natural forests."
The company's vision is to create products that benefit consumers, sustain
the environment and provide value for forestry. Launched in 2000, the
company now employs or contracts more than 90 scientists and technicians to
conduct its world-class forest research, including 47 full time employees
at its Charleston area headquarters. It is expected that the number of
employees in South Carolina will expand by 5 to 10 percent within the next
year. The company also contracts research and facilities in New Zealand.
"An innovative new company like ArborGen is a tremendous addition to our
biotech community and adds to our growing reputation in this sector," said
F. Eugene "Gene" Williams, Chairman of the Charleston Regional Development
Alliance, which helped bring the company to the region. "Further, we have a
strong employee base that will help the company meet its expansion and
research goals today and into the future. It's a win-win situation for
everyone."
In addition to the knowledgeable, available workforce, ArborGen selected
the Charleston area because the region has a well-developed forestry-based
community that understands the need for the type of technology the company
produces as well as an available state-of-the art lease facility.
ArborGen's current research projects include the development of faster
growing trees to improve the productivity of tree plantations; methods to
produce trees that are straighter, resistant to disease and have improved
structural wood properties; and studies on gene discovery and function that
contribute important traits in trees, such as wood quality and yield. These
innovations enable forest owners to grow more wood on less land -- and
better meet the increasing demand for wood products such as paper and
packaging.
Dr. Wells, the company's new CEO, brings a strong scientific and commercial
background to the role of shaping and driving this research and growth. She
comes to ArborGen from Emergent Genetics, where she was Vice President for
Latin America, and Monsanto, a global leader in biotechnology development,
where she spent 17 years as a product manager and developer.
"I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to lead the ArborGen
team," noted Dr. Wells. "The company's leadership position puts us in an
excellent position to be the provider of choice for these products for the
forestry industry and it is personally very exciting to be playing a
significant role in bringing these products to our customers."
About ArborGen
ArborGen's research is focused on tree species that represent many of the
seedlings now planted by the forest industry around the world, including
eucalyptus and poplar species, radiata and loblolly pine. These improved
trees are expected to enable forest landowners to meet the growing demand
for paper and wood products while strengthening their ability to manage
forestlands in a sustainable and eco-efficient manner for the benefit of
future generations. Increasing the productivity of tree plantations safely
and sustainability will help meet the world's wood and fiber needs without
increasing pressure on native forests. For more information, visit
<http://www.arborgen.com>www.arborgen.com .
About CRDA
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance works to broaden and diversify
business investment throughout the three-county Charleston, S.C. metro
area. The public/private partnership markets the area as a preferred
location for business, facilitates the siting of business operations and
offers a one-stop shop to streamline the site selection process. Founded in
1995 to mitigate the impact of a major naval base closure, the Alliance has
helped more than 120 companies find a new home or expand facilities in the
Charleston region, bringing over 12,000 new jobs to the area. To learn
more, go to
<http://www.charleston-for-business.com>www.charleston-for-business.com .
Source: ArborGen, LLC
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