As the world’s population will grow from 6 to 9 billion over the next 50 years, and fossil resources will diminish, the need for food, “bio-fuels” and “bio-materials” from renewable, plant-based resources will increase. Advances in biotechnology and plant genomics can help developing countries to address these challenges, such as production of plants with increased yield, stress-resistant plants, pest resistance and drought resistant plants. At the same time, another global challenge is finding a solution to the use of renewable energy for the future since it has been recognized that fossil fuels is depleting and burning fossil fuels and deforestation are major contributors to climate change. Among the renewable resources, biomass has become one of the most important materials not only to acquire food but also energy, as it can be obtained from plants of diverse origins.

The issue of food, health and biofuel is high on the agenda for an increasing number of countries particularly developing countries. The goals are to increase production of major crops in order to ensure self-sufficiency of food, produce biofuels to partially replace diminishing fossil fuels for local energy use and develop medicinal plants to meet the health needs of a growing population that may not have ready access to modern medical care. These crops could also contribute to export revenue. An understanding of how plant biomass production can be improved or increased as well as its utilization in a sustainable manner is of paramount importance for ensuring future food and fuel supply, and a healthy population.

The aim of this conference is to discuss recent progress in the production of biomass and the uses of new biotechnological approaches to increase yields for food (nutritional and medicinal needs) and fuel and to achieve the challenge of supplying bio-based products derived from plants for our food, fuel and health needs.

This conference will highlight the progress achieved in the understanding and improved production of biomass for food, medicine and biofuel needs while maintaining environmental and agriculture sustainability. The meeting will bring together leading experts and young scientists who will deliberate in the hope of finding a common thread that will lead to regional cooperation towards achieving these goals.

1. Fuel Security

Biofuels; technology and development of biofuels
Alternative feedstock such as Jatropha, Micro-algae, Ligno-cellulosic materials

2. Food Security

Plant Breeding, Propagation and Micro-propagation, Food Quality, Post-harvest, Functional Food, Medicinal Plants for Food Supplements, Increasing Productivity & Yields