Sustainability Leaders Join Discussion on Day Three of 2011 Algae Biomass Summit

MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwire - Oct 27, 2011) - On the third day of the 2011 Algae Biomass Summit, the official conference of the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), experts on environmental and economic sustainability sat down with algae business leaders to discuss the role that commercial algae products can play in meeting some of the most pressing environmental and food-production challenges facing the world today.

Algae's unique properties of high yields, fast growth and reduced greenhouse gas emissions has brought the organisms to the attention of many in the environmental community, just as sustainability concerns have become an important part of the business models for many in the algae industry planning on expanding their commercial production efforts.

Leading environmental and sustainability experts shared with business leaders their hope for algae fuels, fertilizers and other products to help meet challenges around climate change, food production, and diminishing water supplies.

Acknowledging the importance of engaging early with the newly expanding algae industry, experts from the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment, the National Resources Defense Council, Future 500, Rainforest Alliance, and the Biotechnology Industry Organization discussed some of the challenges and lessons from other industries that have rapidly expanded from laboratory science to large commercial production.

The largest Algae Biomass Summit to date concluded today with panel discussions on the latest biotechnology research and the experiences of algae firms that are building new facilities and marketing products. More than 800 people from 20 countries attended the conference.

Information on the event, including a full agenda is available at http://algaebiomasssummit.org. Next year's summit will be held in Denver, Colorado.

About the ABO
The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website: www.algalbiomass.org.