World's Leading Experts To Present Latest Findings
On Health Benefits Of Berries

Berry Health Benefits Symposium
Portola Plaza Hotel - Monterey, California
June 22-23, 2009

(May, 29, 2009) -Leading scientists from around the world will gather in Monterey next month to share their latest research on the positive effects of berries on human health. The 2009 Berry Health Benefits Symposium, sponsored by the National Berry Crops Initiative (NBCI), will cover such topics as berries and brain aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolism and other health-related issues. The NBCI is a partnership of industry, academia and government formed to foster the U.S berry industries.

"The Berry Health Benefits Symposium offers a unique opportunity for researchers from different disciplines who share a common interest to network and learn from one other," said Cat McKenzie, Administrator of the National Berry Crops Initiative and organizer of the symposium. "This is an exciting time for berries and this year's symposium will not only showcase the benefits of berries in our diet, but will also contribute to making scientific breakthroughs possible in the future."

A Unique and Valuable Event
Berries are increasingly in the spotlight as researchers continue to explore their many potential health benefits. The global appeal of this topic will attract not only members of the scientific community, but health and wellness practitioners, food industry professionals, educators and consumers.

Presenters
More than twenty acclaimed researchers will present during the two-day event, including:

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Jim Joseph, Director of the Neuroscience Laboratory at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University

Dr. Joseph will share new research suggesting that diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds - like those found in berries - may slow the decline in cognitive function that occurs with aging and lower the risk of developing age-related neurodegenerative disease.

Dr. Mary Ann Lila, Director of the Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University will discuss the health-enhancing role that wild berries have played in the native tribal communities of Alaska.

Dr. Amy Howell, Marucci Center for Blueberry & Cranberry Research at Rutgers University will discuss the bacterial anti-adhesion activity of cranberry proanthocyanidins and their possible role in combating bacterial resistance development.

Dr. Wilhemina Kalt, Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada will present her recent research on blueberries and vision.

Dr. Ron Prior, USDA-ARS Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center will present his findings on the effects of anthocyanins and other factors in berries on the development of obesity.

Public Session
In addition to the research presentations, there will be a session open to the public, at no charge, where a select panel of symposium speakers will summarize the highlights of the emerging science in lay language. A berry tasting and cooking demonstrations will follow, led by Janie Hibler, author of The Berry Bible and Chef Mary Pagan of the Culinary Center of Monterey. In addition, a Monterey Bay Berry Bus Tour offers a first-hand look at the 15,000 berry acres under cultivation in Monterey County, with opportunities to meet the berry farmers and to enjoy a gourmet dinner at the fabulous Chaminade Resort Hotel. There is a fee for this activity.

For more details on the event, please visit www.berryhealth.org