On Apr. 13, the Missouri Pork Association Executive Board demonstrated a new level of commitment in the production of safe and wholesome pork while promoting the well-being of their animals, families, employees and the communities in which they live and operate.
The motion passed by MPA strongly recommends that all of the state’s pork producers participate in the pork industry’s “We Care” program by a target date of Dec. 31, 2010.
The motion states, through their participation, producers would abide by the statement of ethical principles, become Pork Quality Assurance Plus® (PQA Plus®) certified, achieve PQA Plus® site status, and have their employees who are involved in handling and transporting of animals become Transport Quality Assurance® (TQA®) certified.
The board went on to encourage market points/packers to support this effort by requiring the We Care, PQA Plus and TQA certification as a condition for the sale of animals.
“Thousands of responsible pork producers from around the nation have demonstrated their commitment to the health and well-being of the animals in their care, and to providing a safe and wholesome product to their customers by participating in PQA Plus and in TQA,” said Erik Risa, manager of education programs for the Pork Checkoff.
“We are excited that the momentum behind the program continues to build with the support of producers from Missouri.”
“As a pork producer, I feel it is my responsibility to care for the health and well-being of my animals, as well as to provide a safe and wholesome product to my customers,” said Bill Kessler, a pork producer from Mexico and chairman of the Missouri Pork Association. “Participating in the We Care program reflects the industry’s commitment as a whole to social responsibility and accountability.”
As of Apr. 20, over 27,300 pork producers in the United States had received PQA Plus certification, 2,263 from the state of Missouri. Over 17,200 individuals have been certified in TQA.
PQA Plus is the industry’s flagship pork safety, antimicrobial use and animal well-being program. The program demonstrates to customers, consumers and the public that the pork industry is committed to the responsible production of safe and wholesome pork product.
More information on PQA Plus can be found online at www.pork.org.
TQA is an educational program that helps swine transporters, producers and handlers understand the impact that the handling, moving and transport of pigs can have on pig well-being and pork quality.
The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education and legislation.
For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.