Alltech International Symposium draws 3000
from 72 countries to Ky. to “envision” future

Nearly 3,000 delegates from 72 countries have gathered in downtown Lexington for the Alltech 28th Annual International Symposium which continues through tomorrow.

In his opening address yesterday, Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson spoke about the future of food and the importance of food security.

“Envision the world of 2050,” said Lt. Gov. Abramson. “We need to make sure that the future is bright for our kids and for our grandkids.”

Former Kentucky Governor John Y. Brown, co-founder of KFC and Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, joined Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech, to discuss the future of food. These two food innovators each changed the industries that they work in, seeking out new ways to operate and adapting to challenges. They shared a perspective on how the industry can and should develop in order to feed the world in 2050. Both agreed that no industry is more important than the food industry and that the biggest challenge is getting a safe and nutritious product to the end user.

Dr. Karl Dawson, Alltech vice president and chief scientific officer, followed with an overview of the science of nutrigenomics. He discussed the applications of genetics and how research is responsible for most of the developments in the agriculture industry. He also discussed epigenetics, how our genes react to the environment, and how new findings in this area shed light on the complex interplay of nutrition and development.

Dr. Pearse Lyons discussed nine initiatives that will help shape Alltech’s future:

Alltech Academy – “We need advanced education for professionals. Advanced poultry nutrition, advanced equine nutrition, crisis marketing, brewing, learning never stops.”

Crop Sciences – “We need more crops from a finite amount of land. Alltech Crop Sciences aims to boost productivity and breed healthier plants.”

Lyons Farm – “Agriculture needs branding so that consumers know that they are getting a premium product, that’s what the Lyons Farm range of foods will try to achieve.”

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale – “Bourbon Barrel Ale is global! In the next few months we are launching Alltech’s Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale in Ireland.”

Ecologae – “It’s important that if we replace fish oil, we replace it with a sustainable, traceable and adaptable alternative. This is one of the many exciting applications for Alltech’s algae program.”

Alltech® FEI Word Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy – “Alltech is honored to be the title sponsor of the biggest equestrian event in the world.”

Investments in plants throughout the world – “Our business relies on strong global collaboration and research. As part of our growth strategy we continue to invest in our offices and bioscience centers around the world.”

New feeds for equine and pet – “Alltech is exploring the idea of pet and equine products for the end user.”

Graduate Program – “Alltech has launched a global graduate program to attract new talent of future business leaders and entrepreneurs to Alltech. We want to identify and nurture the future leaders and this is how we will find them.”

New to the Alltech Symposium this year is the incorporation of several new technologies, such as the Alltech International Symposium app, which lists each session and speaker biographies. The opening session was also streamed live online on the Alltech Ag Network.

Monitor the symposium’s live broadcasts and watch recorded seminars on the Alltech Ag Network and read blogs posts and interviews at www.alltech.com. Join in the conversation on Twitter using the hash tag #agfuture.

Alltech, a global animal health and nutrition company, is headquartered in Nicholasville. Related story here.