“The agreement with Japan sets the stage for opening several other markets,...

“The agreement with Japan sets the stage for opening several other markets,” commented Dr. Keith Belk, associate professor in red meat safety at the Department of Animal Sciences of Colorado State University as he received the Distinguished Service Award from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nov. 4.

USMEF honored one of its foremost allies in the world of meat science and academia at the USMEF Board of Directors Strategic Planning and Marketing Conference for his exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to U.S. red meat exports.

“I’ve spent most of my career working in the field of international trade trying to improve the opportunities that exist for exporting red meat products,” said Belk. “I’ve gained more from my experiences and the opportunities that have been given to me by USMEF than I’ve provided in return, and it was a surprise and a real honor to be recognized.”

Dr. Belk is one of the country’s leading experts on red meat quality and safety, live animal development, international marketing of red meats, and quality management systems. The U.S. meat industry has called on Dr. Belk to spearhead or develop essential research products or to lend his authority and reputation in a leadership role in times of crisis or controversy on numerous occasions.

After a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy was discovered in a single animal in the United States, Dr. Belk conducted seminars for USMEF for Japanese meat importers, processors, distributors, foodservice operators, and trade journalists in both Japan and China. Dr. Belk explained the measures taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent BSE in America prior to the one Canadian-born case and the new steps taken since. By teaching the frontline people who face media and consumers through day-to-day marketing and sales the truth about BSE, Dr. Belk helped USMEF and the U.S. beef industry to spread its message with precision and efficiency.

“USMEF and others are working diligently to try and reestablish those markets and when we accomplish that I think we can continue to grow exports,” added Belk.

Dr. Belk has worked closely with USMEF on a variety of international red meat research studies that have allowed USMEF to remain on the cutting edge of new technologies to assist U.S. exporters gain greater market share in international markets. Many U.S. companies have been able to use Dr. Belk’s work in their international marketing programs.

Prior to entering the academic world, Dr. Belk was an International Marketing Specialist in the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, where he developed and implemented international standards programs for federal grading, certification, and market information services to improve U.S. agricultural trade. He was also called on for his technical input into trade negotiations and international standards development bodies.

Since 1991, USMEF has presented the Distinguished Service Award to outstanding figures in the red meat industry who exemplify the exceptional, individual dedication responsible for the federation’s success.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the  U.S. red meat industry and is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, corn, sorghum and soybean checkoff programs.

— USMEF —