News & Events | NPB, NPPC technical meeting

USMEF Hosts Pork Industry Discussion on Technical Issues, Research Priorities

USMEF’s Export Services Division welcomed staff from the National Pork Board (NPB) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) to Denver this week for a discussion of technical issues that may affect movement and acceptance of U.S. pork in key international markets.

The meeting focused on several emerging issues related to animal health and food safety, including pork processing and handling measures that can reduce pathogens and residues of concern to international trading partners.

In-depth meetings with USMEF staff are also helpful to the pork industry as it establishes research priorities for the coming year, according to Steve Larsen, NPB’s director of pork safety.

National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council staff discuss trade issues with the USMEF Export Services Division

“It really helps us identify the scientific, researchable questions where the pork industry can help to either break down trade barriers to get into certain markets, or to help keep a foothold in existing markets,” Larsen said.

NPB is in the process of developing a request for proposals under which researchers may submit projects related to pork safety, quality and nutrition for funding consideration. Larsen said proposals related to international trade issues and barriers have become a top priority, because of the important role global markets play in restoring profitability to the U.S. pork industry.

“With global markets being so important to the pork producers’ bottom line, it’s really helpful to focus research efforts toward these international issues,” Larsen said. “In this time of high input costs, our producers definitely recognize how important our export markets are.”

“These meetings are very beneficial for all three organizations,” added Paul Clayton, USMEF senior vice president, export services. “They provide us with an opportunity to exchange ideas and information, as well as identify needs and solutions for greater international market access.”

Jamaica Seminar and Mini-Trade Show Set for Dec. 9

On December 9, a multi-cooperator seminar and trade show will be held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The event will feature members from USMEF, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, U.S. Dairy Export Council and the California Wine Institute.

The mini-trade show – which is free to USMEF members - presents an opportunity to develop contacts with importers and well as food and beverage representatives. Jamaica is unfortunately not open at this time to most U.S. pork products, but does allow import of U.S. beef and lamb. Members should notify USMEF of their interest in participating as soon as possible. Please contact USMEF Caribbean consultant Elizabeth Wunderlich at 830-997-6319 or wunderlc@hctc.net by the end of this week.

Seng Interview Featured Tonight on RFD-TV

USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng is a featured guest on tonight’s edition of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen, a weekly program on RFD-TV focusing on news and issues from the cattle and beef industries. Seng joins Cattlemen to Cattlemen host Susie Ross for an in-studio interview, in which they discuss the latest beef export results from around the world, including the strong performance in key markets such as Mexico, Canada and Japan.

USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng on NCBA's Cattlemen to Cattlemen

The program will air tonight on RFD-TV at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time. Repeat episodes can be seen Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday, Oct. 12, at midnight (all times Eastern). RFD-TV is available to DIRECTV and DISH Network subscribers, and on some cable systems. The program can also be viewed online at www.cattlementocattlemen.org.