Strides in developing better sugarcane varieties through genetic research and the use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn to reduce mycotoxins contamination in animal feeds will be the main topics to be discussed during the "Agrilink, Foodlink, and Aqualink 2006" trade show at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City from Oct 05-07.

Antonio V. Roces of the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development (FRLD) said other topics to be discussed by scientists participating in the three-day show include salmonella control, sugar technology sharing, organic genes, tilapia farming, and the viability of carps in polyculture fish farming systems.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will handle four seminars in the afternoon of Oct. 7 to promote mariculture parks, backyard aquarium fish raising, and attract more investors to the fisheries sector.

In the first semester of this year, fisheries registered the highest growth rate in all agriculture, which contributes no less than 35 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP).

On the other hand, agriculture grew by 6.1 percent growth in the second quarter.

Roces said no less than French companies are joining the exhibit to present their advances in genetics, pharmaceuticals, equipment, and food production and research.

Filipino exhibitors will also showcase their work on roofing installation, animal pharmaceuticals, nutrition, feed mill equipment, and other products and services.

The event organizer said he hopes to assemble the world's latest agribusiness technologies, products, services, and systems.

Roces added that companies wishing to expand their market reach and business operations, locally or overseas, will find the show an effective means to achieve their goals.

Also participating in the show are equipment makers Pas Reform of The Netherlands, Kasetphand Industry Cp. Ltd. of Thailand, ATK Group and Fujian Lianjie Co. Ltd. Of China, and feed manufacturers CJ Corp. of South Korea and Cargill of the United States.

Cargill is a marketer, processor, and distributor of agricultural, food, financial, and industrial products and services.