Research scientists in every area of oats – from plant breeding and pathology to cereal chemistry, nutrition and molecular genetics – will be in Baton Rouge to attend the American Oat Worker Conference April 17-21.

The conference is sponsored by the American Oat Workers, said Stephen Harrison, a plant breeder with the LSU AgCenter and current president of the organization, which is made up of individuals in research institutions and industry from Canada, Mexico and the United States.

“We expect more than 100 people to attend, not only from North America but from Europe, Asia and South America,” Harrison said. “This is a chance for scientists to meet and interact with industry.”

The conference is held once every four years.

The meetings are underwritten by major oat grower organizations and processors, including Quaker Oats, General Mills, Country Choice, 21st Century Grain Processing, Prairie Oat Growers Association, the University of Saskatchewan and the North American Millers Association.

More information is available from Harrison at 225-578-1308 or sharrison@agcenter.lsu.edu or at http://www.aow.lsu.edu/aow.htm

Rick Bogren