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NewswireToday - /newswire/ -
Sedalia, KY, United States, 10/29/2009 - As many catfish producers gaze at an uncertain future due to rising feedstock prices and imports, some are actively looking into growing algae as a viable alternative.
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"I am seeing a surprising number of catfish farmers embrace algae as an alternative energy aqua crop," says Terri Chiang of Biomass Partners, "These farmers are aware of the fact that the Farm Bill is favorable to energy crops like algae and they are interested in utilizing their existing ponds for algae production."
The National Algae Association’s Mid-South Chapter (nationalalgaeassociation.com) is addressing this interest via an information-packed workshop entitled, "Algae; Exploring Open Pond Production Opportunities" in Memphis, TN on November 18 and 19, 2009. Attendees will explore the opportunities and challenges of algal open pond production for biofuels and a wide array of co-products.
The event will begin the evening of Nov. 18th 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. Nationally-renouned algae open pond expert, Ron Putt of Auburn University will speak on his extensive research on this subject. Additional speakers include Rodney Saul of Saul Fish Farms, David Coho, Vice-president of Algae Venture Systems, Larry Trumbore of Phycal, Joseph LaStella of GreenStar Products, and Neal Van Milligan of Bioten Power and Energy Group, among others.
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.
"This workshop is designed to bring the top experts in open pond production together with catfish pond owners, investors and entreprenours to learn from each other and fast-track algae open pond production as an energy crop," says Tamra Fakhoorian, president of the NAA Mid-South Chapter.
Early registration for this event is offered through Nov. 4, 2009. For more information, please visit our website or call.
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tamraf.naa[.]wk.net 
