03/04/05 Idaho`s bioscience future looks bright

A non-profit coalition of business, political and academic leaders see a future for bioscience in Idaho. The Idaho Bioscience Association, of BioIdaho, says the state has the educational and agricultural expertise. And says President Phil Syrdal there's a strong commitment from state leaders to build on bioscience. SYRDAL "We would like to become exporters of technology. Rather than just exporting crops why not export the technology that goes, license the technology. Why not help develop it in Idaho?" San Francisco based venture capitalist Steven Burrill says starting a bioscience company from scratch requires time and money. BURRILL "If you and I start a biotech company today we may not see a customer for ten or 15 years. So whether its in agriculture or environment or human health care, whether it's a patient or a better variety of potato or whatever it may be ten or 15 years before we see that customer." Bioscience is growing by leaps and bounds, now a 70 billion dollar industry with 15 hundred companies and 150 thousand employees. These experts say Idaho can get on the bandwagon or stand by and watch other states do it. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott