IFT Names 2007 Congressional Science Award Winners

    WASHINGTON, June 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recognizing the
 importance of focused and intentional efforts for the advancement of food
 science and technology, the Institute of Food Technologists' 2007
 Congressional Support for Science Award will be presented here today to
 U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss of Georgia and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas.
 The award is presented annually by the Institute of Food Technologists, the
 not-for-profit scientific society for food science and technology.
     The IFT Congressional Support for Science Award acknowledges
 distinguished service by legislator, policy-maker or advocate for advancing
 the role of science and technology in food and agricultural policies.
 Criteria also considered include sustained attention to the scientific
 integrity of food and nutrition or health issues. The award is presented
 annually to two members of Congress as an acknowledgment for outstanding
 contributions to science-based food policies during the previous year.
     As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and as committee
 Chairman during the 109th Congress, Chambliss has overseen policy affecting
 the safety, affordability and production of the nation's food supply. He
 has helped conduct hearings on issues such as school nutrition, food
 biotechnology, food safety, and livestock production, and has focused on
 improving federal support for food and agricultural research.
     As ranking Republican on the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and
 Forestry, "Senator Chambliss has consistently supported sound agricultural
 policies and has earned the reputation as an expert on agricultural
 issues," according to IFT President Dennis R. Heldman. "He maintains a
 critical focus on improving federal support for food and agricultural
 research."
     Alongside Chambliss, Sen. Lincoln serves on the Committee on
 Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, among other committees. In this
 service, she has a voice on national priorities like farm policy, hunger,
 nutrition, alternative energy and education.
     "Senator Lincoln recognizes the importance of policy affecting food and
 nutrition, thereby recognizing the need for increased funding for food and
 nutrition research," said Heldman. "She maintains an essential focus on
 improving and safeguarding the nation's food supply."
     Lincoln recently drafted and saw adopted Senate legislation to enhance
 the safety of aquaculture and seafood imports. She founded and currently
 chairs the bipartisan Senate Hunger Caucus, which serves as a forum through
 which senators collaborate on national and international hunger-related
 issues.
     Prior recipients of the IFT Congressional Support for Science Award are:
     Sen. Robert Bennett (Utah) -- 2006
     Rep. Bob Etheridge (N.C.) -- 2006
     Sen. Kit Bond (Mo.) -- 2005
     Rep. Collin Peterson (Minn.) -- 2005
     Sen. Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) -- 2004
     Rep. Henry Bonilla (Tex.) -- 2004
     Rep. Rush Holt (N.J.) -- 2003
     Rep. Frank Lucas (Okla.) -- 2003
     Rep. Nick Smith (Mich.) -- 2002
     Rep. Charles Stenholm (Tex.) -- 2002
     Sen. Thad Cochran (Miss.) -- 2001
     Sen. Richard Durbin (Ill.) -- 2001
     IFT will recognize and present these two congressional leaders their
 awards during a reception at the U.S. Capitol, Lyndon B. Johnson Room,
 S211.
     Founded in 1939, and with world headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, USA,
 the Institute of Food Technologists is a not-for-profit international
 scientific society with 22,000 members working in food science, technology
 and related professions in industry, academia and government. As the
 society for food science and technology, IFT brings sound science to the
 public discussion of food issues. For more on IFT, see ift.org.
 
 

SOURCE Institute of Food Technologists