Sano Shimoda, BioScience Securities, concluded the 2006 Agribusiness Forum with “The Final Frontier – Where are we Headed?” on November 15.

Shimoda believes that to understand agriculture you have to understand it through the eyes of the people that make it happen. He believes that we are at a position now where agriculture is going to see a rebirth. Is it the final frontier? “No,” he says, “I think that agriculture stands at the door to catalyze or help catalyze a new industrial revolution that will redefine agriculture on multiple levels.”

History sometimes gives you unique insights, according to Shimoda. The original industrial revolution redefined economic progress and technology. Technology innovation changed the way people thought about their businesses. Shimoda says the future of agriculture is tied to technology and innovation.

Shimoda says that bio fuels could help redefine the fundamental cost structure of the U.S. economy. We’re looking at a globalized world where other countries have other competitive advantages. Shimoda believes bio fuels could help enhance our competitive position in a globalized world where competition will get tougher and tougher. Shimoda also says that all bio fuels have to get to a cost position where they get can compete with $25-$30 dollar per barrel oil, so it creates a sustainable business.

Ag and technology could transform agriculture in the future through markets and mindset. This country faces key strategic challenges and that creates opportunities and risks for agriculture, according to Shimoda. He says that our ability to compete in the world and in agriculture is a function of education integrated with technology in the marketplace.

So what’s the big picture? What is the key to reinvigorating this country? Shimoda says it’s education, science and technology. Can agriculture turn potential into reality? According to Shimoda, the key is mindset, not business as usual. We’re looking at increased competition therefore our focus has to be at the competitive edge of value-added and low cost.

“The approach towards bio fuels as of today is framed within an ag support policy not an energy policy,” says Shimoda. We need to focus on rational policy and focus on a fuel that will get us there. He says the next 15-20 years will be the greatest era for agriculture combined with technology.

Sano Shimoda has over 30 years of experience in the Wall Street community focusing on agriculture, biotechnology, bio fuels and the agricultural chemical industries. Shimoda is well recognized for his forward-looking views of the changing dynamics new bio-developments will have on agriculture and the overall economy. BioScience Securities’ views are widely quoted in both general business and agricultural-oriented publications.

Special thanks to Elanco Animal Health for sponsoring this session.