September 19, 2007

World Pork Conference calls for sustainable development of pork industry

The Fourth International Meat Secretariat (IMS)-World Pork Conference ended in Nanjing on Monday (Sep 17) with representatives from 38 countries and regions issuing a joint declaration calling for sustainable development of the global pork industry.

Patrick J. Moore, president of IMS, noted that this year's international conference "is taking place against the background of the enormous changes being witnessed in the global meat market".

During the two-day conference, issues concerning pork production and its market, pork consumption trend, new technology and new products as well as global pork trade and policies were discussed. It was, however, sustainability of the pork production industry that is the common thread running through these discussions.

Besides calling for greater cooperation among member countries in science and technology as well as trade issues, it also urged the world's pork industry to place greater emphasis on animal welfare during the production and slaughtering process.

IMS was founded in 1974. It brings together meat and livestock organizations throughout the world. China is the first Asian country to host the conference. In conjunction with the conference, the Fifth China International Meat Industry Exhibition will be held from September 17 to 19.