Kentucky Department of Agriculture

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner James Comer will address a meeting July 12 to review the progress of a regional bioenergy and biomass initiative and talk about its future.

The West Kentucky AgBioworks Initiative is part of a network focused on developing businesses to commercialize bioenergy crops and biomass. It is based in Murray State’s Regional Business and Innovation Center.

“West Kentucky AgBioworks has the potential to become a major economic driver in western Kentucky and neighboring states,” Commissioner Comer said. “It can help our nation achieve greater energy independence while helping farmers develop new crops and new markets. I’m looking forward to discussing how we can work together to take this initiative to the next level.”

Other invited speakers include Tim Hughes, director of the Division of Biofuels, Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence; Roger Thomas, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy; Peter Nelson, co-founder and director of new business development for BioDimensions of Memphis; Steven Bares of the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, and a representative of the West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation.

The day’s activities will begin with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. CDT. The program will begin with remarks from Murray State President Randy Dunn. Other speakers from MSU will include Tony Brannon, dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture; Steve Cobb, dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology; Tim Todd, dean of the Bauemfeind College of Business, and Loretta Daniel, director of the Regional Business and Innovation Center.

The luncheon and meeting will take place in the Murray Room at the CFSB Center, 1401 Ky. 121 North.