02/03/09 Soyatech, LLC, the global media, marketing, and event platform for the food, oilseed and agribusiness industries, has been named to co-organize the World Soybean Research Conference (WSRC) VIII and its expanded Soybean Industry Forum. The conference, which will be held in Beijing, China on August 10-15, 2009, is the leading international event on soybean research. Held every five years, it provides a global forum for the world's soybean researchers to exchange information and research results across all segments of the soybean industry. In addition, it presents abundant opportunities for attendees to meet with leading soybean producers, processors and companies representing the food, feed and ingredient sectors. The Soybean Industry Forum will provide real world insight on issues and trends pertinent to firms from China and around the world.

The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China's leading agricultural research organization, and the Crop Science Society of China are joint hosts and the Institute of Crop Sciences is the primary organizer of the conference.

"The World Soybean Research Conference is among the most world's most prestigious events in the soybean industry, providing a platform the global community to share the latest research," said Chris Erickson, CEO of Soyatech. "All of us at Soyatech are deeply honored to bring to this event our expertise in the soybean industry as well as our extensive expertise in events management," he added.

"Soybeans are the world's most important legume crop, and China is world's largest soybean market. As the cradle of soyfoods, China offers an excellent opportunity to experience the long standing oriental soy culture and exchange ideas about soybean research and industry development with the experts from all around the world," said Dr. Huqu Zhai, President of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Chairman of the World Soybean Research Conference VIII Organizing Committee.

This is the first time that the WSRC will be held in China. Since its inception in 1975, the conference has taken place in the United States, Argentina, Thailand and Brazil,. It includes both a technical program and a trade show that showcases all aspects of the industry including soybean seed, oil and fat products, foods and drinks, soybean fiber products, biotech products, animal feed, processing equipment and more.

With its enhanced scope and elevated importance in the program, the Soybean Industry Forum has already attracted significant interest from major producers and processors from around China who are expected to attend. The Forum will cover topics including: international trade; a safe supply chain; sustainable farming practices; biotechnology and intellectual property; and the role of soy in animal feed and in human health In addition, the WSRC offers post-conference opportunities to tour soybean farms and processing plants in China.