
ARS, Maryland
Business Organizations Sign Technology AgreementsBy Sharon Durham May 3, 2001Bringing commercially viable
research-based technologies to the marketplace is the aim of a formal agreement
signed today by the Agricultural Research
Service and two Maryland agencies. The Prince Georges County Economic Development Corporation (PGEDC),
the Maryland Technology Development
Corporation (TEDCO), and ARS signed separate five-year agreements that will
foster cooperation in transferring ARS-developed technology and facilitating
economic development in the state of Maryland and in Prince Georges
County. The agreements were signed by ARS Administrator Floyd P. Horn; Joseph J.
James, chief executive officer, PGEDC; and Phillip A. Singerman, executive
director, TEDCO. They met during a Bio-Science for Life showcase at
the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), located in Prince Georges
County. A wide range of research topics with possible technology transfer potential
was highlighted at the symposium. ARS research scientists provided oral and
poster presentations with topics ranging from animal improvement and insect
behavior to composting organic wastes and plant genomics. PGEDC and TEDCO will provide personnel to assist local companies in
identifying and promoting opportunities to cooperate with ARS scientists and
administrators in the selection, development, transfer and commercialization of
appropriate ARS technologies. These two corporations will also inform ARS administrators of the
technological needs and interests of various locally based companies and help
transfer ARS technologies that fit those requirements. Both corporations will
assist in drawing up business plans and obtaining financing for business
development based on the ARS projects. ARS will work with the cooperating partners to cultivate the most
appropriate method for successful technology transfer. Each organization will
host conferences and workshops toward this end. Maryland is home to a growing number of high-tech companies, many of which
could benefit by establishing cooperative interactions with ARS scientists or
by licensing ARS- owned technologies. ARS is the chief scientific research agency of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Contact: Harry Danforth, Beltsville Area Technology Transfer
Coordinator, Beltsville, Md., (301) 504-6421; fax (301) 504-6001;
[email protected]. Story contacts Sharon A Durham Harry D Danforth U.S. Department of Agriculture |