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Blue Ridge Plateau Initiative – Where Agriculture and Biotechnology Converge: A Call to Action Summit

September 20, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Are you interested in advancing the future of sheep production, preclinical research, and biomanufacturing? Join us at the Blue Ridge Plateau Initiative (BRPI) event on September 20th in Galax, Virginia, where we will introduce ANOVA and the Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Sheep Project to the region.

NEO is expanding SPF sheep production operations into Southwest Virginia under the new company name, ANOVA. ANOVA will comprise two state-of-the-art farms and a cutting-edge training institute dedicated to workforce development. Our sheep farms will focus on producing SPF sheep for preclinical research and animal-derived materials (ADMs) for research and the biomanufacture of engineered tissues and organs. The training institute will offer hands-on experiences for agriculture, veterinary, and medical undergraduates and graduates, as well as opportunities for livestock producers, 4-H, and FFA members.

Featured Projects

In addition to ANOVA, the event will showcase other exciting initiatives, including:

Abattoir for Grass-Fed Beef: Learn about our plans for an environmentally sustainable abattoir dedicated to producing high-quality grass-fed beef.

Biochar: Discover our efforts in biochar production, a sustainable and carbon-negative approach to soil improvement.

This meeting is designed to be an “informational, networking, and guidance” session, aiming to create a consortium of like-minded individuals and organizations. We seek assistance with essential next steps in our projects and are eager to identify mutually beneficial partnerships that will help establish necessary programs and infrastructure.

Key Objectives:

  • Share insights and information about ANOVA and related projects.
  • Facilitate networking opportunities among attendees.
  • Provide guidance on navigating the complexities of launching initiatives in this field.
  • Explore potential collaborations and partnerships.
  • Identify public and private funding sources to support these initiatives.

Agenda Summary

  • 9:00 AM:  Welcome, Opening Remarks, Joe Guthrie, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  • Keynote: Gain insights into regenerative medicine, biomanufacturing, and the role of NEO SPF sheep. Richard McFarland, Ph.D., M.D., ARMI BioFabUSA Chief Regulatory Officer
  • Morning Sessions: Regenerative Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Advancements
  • Networking Lunch
  • Afternoon Sessions: Advancing Our Community and Beyond: Economic Development, Education, and Next Steps
  • 4:00 PM: Closing Remarks

Register Now!

List of Speakers September 20, 2023

Want to learn more?  Visit New England Ovis at:

https://laboratoryanimalsciencebuyersguide.com/Listing/Company/40238448 or https://neosheep.com/

Details

Date:
September 20, 2023
Time:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Event Categories:
,
Website:
https://web.cvent.com/event/480258dc-9d52-4e81-bc5b-e5d600910479/regProcessStep1

Venue

Blue Ridge Crossroads Center
1117 East Stuart Drive
Galax, VA 24333 United States
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ARMI

Initiatives

Learn more about work underway to build the biofabrication ecosystem and accelerate the science of regenerative medicine.