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        - H1N1 Influence Statement from Industry

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On July 11, during the Annual Membership Meeting in Kerrville, TX, the members of the Texas Pork Producers Association moved to a new level of commitment in animal care and producing safe and wholesome pork for consumers.   

The members unanimously adopted a special resolution recommending that all Texas producers participate in the national pork industry’s “We Care” program by December 31, 2011.  The resolution states: Be it resolved that the Texas Pork Producers Association strongly recommends that all pork producers adopt an industry best practice by participating in the National Pork Board’s “We Care” program by a target date of 12/31/11. Through participation, producers would abide by the Statement of Ethical Principals, become Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) certified, achieve site status, and have their employees who are involved in handling and transport of animals become Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) certified. 

In addressing the members, TPPA President David Kempen, producer from Poteet, Texas, stated “As producers, each of us is responsible for the care and well being of our animals and to the consumer for the product we provide.”  He continued “Most of our producers are most likely already following the good management practices in PQA Plus, but it is important that we take the next steps by taking the training and becoming certified.” 

Over the next few months, TPPA will be involved with getting individuals from around the state trained to provide the PQA Plus and TQA courses in order to make the program fully available to pork producers as well as youth producers in 4-H and FFA.  TPPA will also be working to seek help from other state wide organizations in reaching our target.

Maintaining Trust in the U.S. Pork Industry with “We Care” Program 

Pork producers and the pork industry have been dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the quality of pork production in the United States for decades. Though the business has changed over the years, pork producers have worked to continuously improve production methods and implement safeguards —with the goal of producing wholesome and affordable pork products for people everywhere to enjoy. It was this spirit that guided producers decades ago, and it is this same determination that drives those involved in pork production today — to act responsibly and to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

 The U.S. pork industry produces the highest quality, safest pork in the world — and in our nation’s history. This has been accomplished as a result of producers’ commitment to responsible practices and continuous advancement. From animal care and the environment to food safety and quality, the pork industry is proud of its track record. More than anyone else, pork producers truly understand and care about these issues. 

The Changing Marketplace
Today the marketplace holds businesses and industries to higher standards, looking for them to act responsibly. A short time ago, such an orientation was a point of difference. Today it is a given. Customers want assurance that their suppliers are working toward achieving a greater good.  Much like other food industries, the pork industry faces challenges that threaten the way producers run their businesses. Issues such as the economy, immigration, alternative energy and biofuels are dramatically impacting the economics of the industry. Adverse crop conditions, availability of feed, and increasing food and energy costs have the potential to shut down hog farms. At the same time, the industry occasionally finds itself having to defend its practices against attacks from advocacy groups. Pressure from these organizations is growing as they seek to advance their agendas. While it is important to respond to such attacks, the pork industry stands proud of its achievements and remains committed to responsibility and continuous improvement. 

A Solid Foundation
Before the concepts of social responsibility and sustainability were being broadly discussed, U.S. pork producers united to establish what could now be viewed as the initial steps of putting these concepts into practice. Since 1986, Pork Checkoff programs have helped to strengthen pork’s position domestically and have assisted in expanding its markets abroad. These programs have led to improvements in food safety and quality, animal husbandry practices as well as a number of technological advancements. Long before industries were being challenged to demonstrate responsibility, pork producers recognized the importance of doing what is right. 

Every day the efforts of producers and all those associated with pork production on farms across America demonstrate care and concern for how pork is produced. The recent adoption of a new statement of ethical principles calls attention to producers’ responsibilities to uphold the highest standards and maintain the public’s trust. By affirming these principles, America’s pork producers acknowledge their commitment to:
➢ Produce safe food
➢ Protect and promote animal well-being
➢ Ensure practices to protect public health
➢ Safeguard natural resources in all of our practices
➢ Provide a work environment that is safe and consistent with our other ethical principles
➢ Contribute to a better quality of life in their communities 

Quality Assurance Leadership
The industry’s Pork Quality Assurance® (PQA) program identifies best practices in food safety and animal care. It was originally introduced in 1989 and has become the quality assurance model for other industries at home and abroad. Last year, the new PQA Plus™ was launched.  Its “Good Production Practices” and on-farm assessment further enhance the reputation of this flagship program. 

The industry’s commitment to responsibility relies on the participation of individuals Industry wide. It underscores the importance of staying current with various industry education and training resources, including PQA, PQA Plus, Transport Quality Assurance™, Take Care — Use Antibiotics Responsibly™ and a host of issue-specific programs. Additionally, it encourages all those involved in pork production to take an active role in educating the public as well as opinion leaders about the industry’s efforts. 

Nobody Cares More
Producers and others throughout the pork food chain take their role seriously. Today the U.S. pork industry is smarter, stronger and increasingly sensitive to the needs of the customers it serves. No one has more on the line when it comes to responsible and ethical animal production than U.S. pork producers themselves. It is the responsibility of each and every producer to demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement and sound business practices. Their collective effort will further prove that this industry is more committed than ever to retaining the public trust.