Research Agreement Signed By The U.S. & China

USDA and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology during the International Conference on Sorghum in Houston, signed a collaborative agreement for biofuels research, USAgNet reports.

The agreement solidifies the intent to cooperate in establishing processes and infrastructure for conversion of sweet sorghum and other feedstocks to ethanol, the groups said. It also encourages collaboration among scientists worldwide to contribute to alternative energy research through the development of alternative feedstocks.

"Today’s signing establishes a virtual joint center for a series of projects that are very specific to the two centers," said Michael Abbey, international affairs specialist and Asia program coordinator for USDA- Agriculture Research Service. "We also intend to include universities and business in both China and the United States. We can now focus on specific areas of cooperation."