Biofuel Workshop Aimed at Catfish Farmers

National Algae Association Mid-South Chapter presents a information-packed workshop in Memphis, Tennessee on 18 and 19 November 2009, exploring the opportunities and challenges of algal open pond production for biofuels and a wide array of co-products.

The event will kick off the evening of 18 November with a presentation by Barry Cohen, Director of the National Algae Association. Terri Chiang of Biomass Partners, LLC will present on the huge potential for open pond production in the South and Ron Putt of Auburn University will speak on his extensive research in this field. Additional speakers TBA.

The workshop's focus will be highlighted by a motor coach trip to Saul Fish Farm, a leading aquaculture facility in Des Arc, Arkansas where attendees will go on a walking tour to get a first-hand glimpse of the scope and potential for algal open pond production. Rodney Saul, owner of Saul Fish Farm will describe his procedures for growing algae for aquaculture applications. While at the farm, attendees will hear from additional speakers and interact in open forums on algal growing techniques, harvesting and extraction methods.

Deadline submission for white papers for open pond algal growth systems, technologies, and support equipment is 1 November for review by the executive committee for potential inclusion in the workshop.

"This event is very timely in light of the strong interest in alternatives to expensive, closed-loop algae production systems," says Tamra Fakhoorian, president of the NAA Mid-South Chapter. She continued: "Given the current availability of hundreds of thousands of existing pond acres in the South and new applicable technologies coming on-line, aquaculture farmers and entrepreneurs alike are taking a good look at the economic feasibility of becoming open pond algae farmers. This workshop will address the opportunities, the challenges and late-breaking solutions for open pond production."

Early registration for this event is offered until 4 November 2009.

For more information on offering presentations or attending this workshop, visit the National Algae Association web site and click on the Mid-South chapter link.