Minnesota Bioscience Advocate Draws On Scandinavian Roots

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"There's a natural resistance on the part of human beings to change," he said. "I can remember when family and people I know were complaining about computers - that computers were the bane of our future. There's a lot of people out there that tend to not believe what is going on and yet, bioscience has been around forever. We've been breeding plants and animals for thousands of years. It's only in the last 10 to 15 years that people realized you can do bad things with bioscience but you can do a lot of good things, too. There is a lack of understanding about the process of bioengineering. You have to monitor and control it, but it can be done in controlled environment and with proper oversight."

[Dale Walhstrom] said the mission of the BioBusiness Alliance - to educate not only the public but "decision makers" such as lawmakers and economic development directors - is one he believes can make a better future, and not only for Minnesota. "Minnesota is definitely a leader when it comes to policy. I believe we lead the world with exception of potentially Sweden," he said. "When I went to China for an international renewable energy congress, I couldn't have a break without people wanting to talk to me about Minnesota's initiatives. They want to understand the mandate for ethanol blend at 20 percent, how to get the legislature and executive branches to mandate use of renewable energy. Our policies here in Minnesota are recognized internationally and it seems that, finally, people want to know more."

"It comes from my roots. I have strong Scandinavian roots and heritage, and right now Sweden leads the world in the use of biomass fuels," he said. "I am a really strong advocate for renewable energy, especially biomass. I'm no less committed to solar and wind but I am committed to biomass because it is here and now. Solar today is here and now but it remains very expensive and is limited in its ability to replace fossil fuels." Growing up on the farm with both Swedish and Norwegian relatives helped Wahlstrom in another way as well. The longstanding rivalry between the two groups taught him when and where to argue his own point of view.

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Minnesota Bioscience Advocate Draws On Scandinavian Roots

In 2004, Pawlenty asked Dale Walhstrom to head the BioBusiness Alliance, a non-profit organization that works with businesses, state and local governments, and the health care industry to apply the latest technology to solve economic growth problems. The position allows Wahlstrom to use all of his experience in support of a cause that is very personal to him.

"I have a lot of confidence in this state and a deep,...

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