Monsanto to bring Mobile Technology Unit to campus on March 24-26

Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will host Monsanto's Mobile Technology Unit, a unique showcase of agricultural science and innovation, on March 24–26, 2009.

The Mobile Technology Unit is a 53-foot long, 1,000-square-foot interactive display featuring Monsanto's latest advances in seed breeding, biotechnology, and new product development, designed to help farmers be more successful.

“As a company focused solely on agriculture, Monsanto is committed to helping farmers be successful,” said Ernesto Fajardo, Monsanto’s U.S. business lead. “That is why we are so strongly committed to developing new technologies that can help farmers increase their yields, improve their profitability, and participate in new market opportunities for their crops.”

“We are excited Monsanto selected to visit Virginia Tech with their Mobile Technology Unit and provide a unique opportunity for our campus community to experience the application of the latest plant-science technology,” said Susan Sumner, interim associate dean of academic programs for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Highlights of this one-of-a kind, hands-on exhibit include

• Monsanto seed breeders are using “exotic” seed germplasm from around the world to develop new, high-performing crops for U.S. farmers.
• Advanced biotech genes are being developed that not only provide improved weed and insect control, but also create better stress tolerance, healthier food oils, and stronger yields.
• Enhanced molecular-breeding tools can greatly increase the chances of finding an ideal combination of "high-yield" genes – one in five – compared to two in one trillion, using conventional breeding.

Students, faculty, staff, FFA chapters, 4-H members, and others interested in science and the future of agriculture are invited to come learn about these exciting advancements and the career opportunities in this expanding area of agriculture.

The Mobile Technology Unit will be located at the Duck Pond overflow parking lot off of Duck Pond Drive on Virginia Tech’s main campus in Blacksburg, Va. Tours will be offered from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. To schedule a group tour, contact Marla Hall at (540) 231-9540.