Jim Fischer , working knowledge of agriculture and renewable and energy efficient technologies provides him with unique insights on building synergy in public/private sector partnerships within the agricultural-energy nexus. As a result of his leadership in agriculture, energy and higher education, he has spoken extensively both nationally and internationally to public and private sector audiences, including universities, government agencies, industries and associations.   Topics include the production and consumption of cellulosic ethanol, hydrogen fuel, wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass energy, as well as improving energy efficiency in agriculture.  His unique insights on the agricultural-energy nexus have been fused by extensive experience in each of these sectors. 

Jim grew up on a family crop and livestock farm in Missouri and owned and operated a beef production business for 20 years. He also holds a Ph.D. in agricultural engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. As a USDA research engineer in the 1970s, he published the design specifications for the original integrated on-farm energy system.  Dr. Fischer has served at three universities — Missouri, Michigan State, and Clemson.  He has provided leadership for numerous national organizations as well as led national programs envisioning the future of state and land-grant universities. His leadership in these organizations and programs has resulted in responsive research and outreach programs and relevant curricula at universities that address the critical issues impacting society today, such as agriculture, food, environment and energy.

In June 2003, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs of the U.S. Department of Energy.   As the Senior Technical Advisor (Academe) to Assistant Secretary Karsner, he develops innovative partnerships and models of collaboration with universities, especially land grant universities, foundations and the agricultural, industrial and business communities.  In addition, he serves as a liaison to the U. S. Department of Agriculture.  He has published more than 100 papers, contributed book chapters, testified before Congress, and served on peer review panels and advisory boards.

Jim and his wife, Sharon, have three children – Benjamin, a Clemson horticulture graduate; Matthew, a Clemson Agricultural Mechanization and Business graduate; and Margaret, who graduated in May with a degree in Agricultural Journalism from the University of Missouri.

August 1-3
UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center
Tifton, Georgia