The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today that South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard was presented with its 2014 Food and Agriculture Governor of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to strengthening the agricultural and livestock biotechnology industries within South Dakota.

Governor Daugaard received the award at today’s BIO Livestock Biotech Summit, held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

“Supporting agricultural biotechnology innovation is not just key to growing South Dakota’s economy and creating more jobs, but it unlocks the door to important medical, food production, animal health and renewable energy advances that will ultimately benefit us all,” said Governor Daugaard. “I am proud to say companies across the biotechnology spectrum have taken notice of what we are doing in South Dakota and have decided to put down roots with us. I am honored to receive this acknowledgement of South Dakota’s commitment to fostering growth in the biosciences, and our state’s support of innovations that help heal, fuel and feed the world.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Governor Daugaard, South Dakota is emerging as a world leader in agriculture biotechnology, especially in the growing field of animal biotechnology,” said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. “Under his leadership, support for research and development in the area has yielded scientific advances such as animals engineered to produce human models of disease or produce antibodies and other human health therapies to treat life-threatening diseases. The state is also home to research involving animal health studies, seed technology, bioenergy and biofuels production.”

“Governor Daugaard has always been a pro-business advocate for initiatives that support the unique needs of early-stage companies,” said Joni Johnson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Biotech. “By attracting and supporting industry growth and university research, he has been a driving force behind our growing state-wide biotech community. We thank him for his support, both in his current leadership position and through his seventeen years of service to citizens of South Dakota!”

Photos available upon request.

About BIO

BIO is the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

About South Dakota Biotech

South Dakota Biotech is the state affiliate of the Biotech Industry Organization (BIO), the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations. Formed in 2006, this non-profit organization is dedicated to developing biotechnology through expanding research, advocacy, funding, education, infrastructure development and promotion. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Biotech strives to create an expansive bio-based economy in all areas of the life sciences including Human Health, Food and Agriculture and Renewable Energy Biotechnology to drive innovation to feed, fuel, and heal the world. To learn more, visit www.sdbio.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.