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| C-FAR totes up 15 years in Illinois research effort |
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<b>By TIM ALEXANDER<br>
Illinois Correspondent</b> </p><p>
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois’ C-FAR (Council on Food and Agricultural Research) is marking its 15th anniversary by saluting its many partners and members, including the state of Illinois, some 60 statewide food and agricultural professional organizations and 40 state, university and other research entities.</p><p>
“We are honored to commemorate C-FAR’s 15th anniversary with each of our partners, who have remained steadfast in their dedication to C-FAR and its mission,” said Alan Puzey, chairman of C-FAR. “This anniversary affords the distinct opportunity for all of our partners to reflect on the profound impact our cumulative efforts have had on research that is meaningful and important to Illinois.” </p><p>
Dr. Donald Holt, former director of the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station and a researcher, remarked, “In over 45 years at two major research institutions, I never saw a program have such a transforming, positive effect on research productivity, program relevance, stakeholder participation and practical agricultural technology than C-FAR has had.</p><p>
“The C-FAR legislation triggered the most important change in the institutional structure of Illinois agriculture since the federal Hatch Act of 1887, which created the state agricultural experiment stations.”</p><p>
C-FAR members volunteer thousands of hours annually identifying the highest research priorities in the state. C-FAR-funded research addresses a broad range of priorities, including enhancing food safety and nutrition, developing renewable bioenergy sources, improving crop and livestock production, expanding markets through new and value-added products and services and protecting the state’s air, water and soil resources.</p><p>
The organization’s unique makeup of state officials, researchers and stakeholders has made C-FAR a national model for successful public-private partnerships.</p><p>
“C-FAR, and Illinois, is very fortunate to have such a dedicated cadre of professionals engaged in our state’s publicly-funded research programs,” said C-FAR membership chair Jim Charlesworth. “The result has undeniably elevated Illinois’ food and agricultural sectors, and we proudly celebrate our 15th anniversary with deep appreciation to everyone engaged in our high public calling.”</p><p>
C-FAR funds a wide range of food, agricultural and related research and has spearheaded dozens of projects of great value to Illinois and Midwestern citizens. A listing of all C-FAR-funded research projects can be accessed at www.ilcfar.org/research/portfolios.html
“While we are certainly very pleased to celebrate C-FAR’s 15th anniversary, and the significant dynamics that have been transformed due to such a program, we equally look forward to our future,” said Kraig Wagenecht, C-FAR executive administrator.
“As we look to the next 15 years, we must do so with a constant eye on our programs being relevant, research that is cutting-edge and pertinent to Illinois and a continual nurturing of the partnerships which have been so extremely instrumental for the benefit of our state’s food, agricultural and related sectors.”</p><p> |
| 1/16/2008 |
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