On behalf of ASIC – Association for Science and Information on Coffee I have great pleasure in inviting you to Campinas, Brazil, from 14th to 19th September 2008, for the 22nd International Conference on Coffee Science – ASIC 2008.

This major international conference has been organized for more than 40 years by ASIC, the unique scientific coffee association bringing together world-wide coffee specialists from the most important countries, industries, universities and research institutes.

The 2008 Conference will present the latest findings in scientific research and technological developments in the coffee area. All topics that will be treated are among the most interesting for the coffee economy - as for example the sustainability in the agronomic area and the relation between health and coffee consumption.

This edition gains particular interest because of Brazil’s leadership role in the world coffee economy and the extraordinary transformations it has gone through in the last 10 years. These changes will be demonstrated by a high expected participation of researchers, technicians, professional operators in the field and economists.

ASIC 2008 will offer intense programs for the integration and networking among participants. This includes cultural visits to the IAC-Campinas Agronomic Institute and to the 200 year-old Tozan coffee farm. The social program with a nice welcome cocktail and a gala dinner with animated show will certainly delight participants and accompanying persons.

Brazil is a hospitable country full of natural beauties and touring opportunities which you should not miss. Campinas is a vibrant city, with good hotels, restaurants, malls and a very important scientific and technology area.

We hope to offer an excellent Conference and an unforgettable stay to all. We are looking forward to meeting you in Campinas (Brazil), in September 2008.

See you there,

Andrea Illy
President
ASIC – Association for Science and Information on Coffee