Newswise — Recognizing the importance of focused and intentional efforts for the advancement of food science and technology, the Institute of Food Technologists' 2005 Congressional Support for Science Award will be presented today, Tuesday, May 10, to U.S. Sen. Christopher (Kit) Bond, of Missouri, and U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, of Minnesota. The award is presented annually by the Institute of Food Technologists, the not-for-profit scientific society for food science and technology.
The IFT Congressional Support for Science Award acknowledges distinguished service by legislator, policy-maker or advocate for advancing the role of science and technology in food and agricultural policies. Criteria also considered include sustained attention to the scientific integrity of food and nutrition or health issues. The award is presented annually to two members of Congress as an acknowledgment for outstanding contributions to science-based food policies during the previous year.
As member of the Senate's Appropriations Committee and its Agriculture Subcommittee, Bond has championed the benefits of biotechnology and foods, traveled to Asia to promote the benefits of plant technology, and challenged European policies restricting the approval of genetically engineered agricultural products. He has also proposed the establishment of a National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
"Senator Bond clearly recognizes the benefits of creating nutritious and sustainable foods utilizing modern methods," says IFT President Herbert Stone. "These benefits are improving the lives of everyone in our country, and hold the promise to accomplish the same for others around the world."
As member of the House Agriculture Committee, Peterson is an advocate for enhancing the nation's food safety system. Peterson has championed the use of electronic tracking for livestock and supported revisions to country-of-origin labeling regulations.
"Congressman Peterson has helped the government to focus on its role in securing the nation's food supply," said Stone. "Country-of-origin labeling directly impacts the U.S. food supply—the most diverse in the world. Similarly, advanced livestock tracking methods are an important step toward increasing meat safety domestically and globally."
Prior recipients of the IFT Congressional Support for Science Award are Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Mich., and Rep. Henry Bonilla, Tex. (2004), Reps. Rush Holt, N.J., and Frank Lucas, Okla. (2003), Reps. Nick Smith, Mich., and Charles W. Stenholm, Tex. (2002), and Sens. Thad Cochran, Miss., and Richard Durbin, Ill. (2001). Honorees are selected by an independent panel of IFT members.
IFT will recognize and present these congressional leaders their awards in a reception in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1939, and with world headquarters in Chicago, the Institute of Food Technologists is a not-for-profit international scientific society with 26,000 members working in food science, technology and related professions in industry, academia and government. As the society for food science and technology, IFT brings sound science to the public discussion of food issues. For more on IFT, see http://www.ift.org.
RSS