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[OD/NT]

Attached is the news release for the Future Trends in Animal Agriculture symposium to be held September 20, 2006 at the South Agriculture Building in Washington, DC. I have included the news release in this message because some people can not access attachments from this office.

Please forward the announcement to your mailing lists, and to those who may be interested in attending. Thanks.

Richard



FOOD ANIMAL PRODUCTION

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

WHAT DO INDUSTRY...ADVOCATES...ACADEMICIANS SAY?

Future Trends in Animal Agriculture Symposium:

Addressing International Trade Complexities of Animal Welfare

Date: September 20, 2005 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please arrive early for security processing

Location: Jefferson Auditorium, South Agriculture Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC; (use the 7th wing entrance, at the end of the building)

Audience: Open to the Public, Agency Decision Makers; USDA Personnel; Congressional Staffers

The Future Trends in Animal Agriculture (FTAA) committee is composed of representatives from several animal welfare and industry organizations, universities, and USDA/CSREES.

Purpose: To briefly present background information by government representatives, and the perspectives of representatives of professional and industry organizations, advocacy groups, and universities on animal welfare issues that may impact international trade opportunities. Presentations will help ensure USDA personnel and policy makers, animal advocates, staffers and the public have a more clear understanding of the current status and implications of trade and related animal welfare issues.

FTAA Mission: The FTAA will foster and enhance balanced and enlightened public dialogue on topics related to the nature and future of animal agriculture.

Program Summary:
Introductory Comments
Charles Conner, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Current Critical Issues in International Trade
Toby Moore, Director of Communications, US Poultry and Egg Export Council
Canadian Experience: Keys to Successful Cooperation between Diverse Groups
Susan Church, Manager, Alberta Farm Animal Care, Canada
Panel: Animal Welfare as a Trade Issue
1. Michael David, Director, National Center for Import and Export, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
2. Lori Mitchell, Economist, USDA, Economic Research Service
3. Kay Johnson, Executive Vice President, Animal Agriculture Alliance
4. Marta Prado, Special Counsel for International Trade Policy, Humane Society of the US
5. Michael Appleby, Trade Policy Manager, World Society for the Protection of Animals
6. Wal-Mart representative invited
Disease Transfer Potential: Impact on Animal Husbandry and International Trade
Ron DeHaven, Administrator, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Economics and Animal Welfare Implications of Moving Animal Production Outside the USA
Jeff Armstrong, Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University
How must or should the USA address trade and animal welfare issues?
Gary Weber, Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs, National Cattlemen's Beef Association
Marlene Halverson, Farm Animal Economics Advisor, Animal Welfare Institute
Open Response, Audience Sign-Up
Summary
Ray Stricklin, Professor, University of Maryland
NON-GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL: Please send your name, affiliation, postal address, and preferred email address to: David Brubaker, 145 South Spruce Street, Lititz, PA 17543; or send the information via email to [email protected]. On-site registration is primarily limited to congressional and federal government personnel. 04/18/06


Richard Reynnells, National Program Leader, Animal Production Systems
US Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research,
Education and Extension Service, Plant and Animal Systems
800 9th Street, SW, Room 3140 Waterfront Centre
Washington, DC 20250-2220
T#: 202.401.5352
F#: 202.401.6156
email: [email protected]

 

[OD/NT]

Future of Animal Ag in North America report

FYI…in case you haven't seen this:

Future of Animal Agriculture in North America
According to a report released this week by the Farm Foundation, North America "enjoys highly efficient livestock production systems that have adapted and evolved to meet changing conditions." The report, "The Future of Animal Agriculture in North America," says the livestock industry is competitive in the global market place but faces opportunities and challenges in both North America and internationally

The report examines: economics of production, processing and marketing; consumer demands; global competitiveness and trade; food safety and animal health; environmental issues; community and labor; and animal welfare. Key items include:
Markets, structure and competition: Current production and marketing technologies allow significant economies of scale so production and processing units are getting larger. Smaller producers have potential to flourish if they provide products that command premium prices in the marketplace.
Value in integrated markets: There is value in an integrated North American market. Strategies need to be identified to deal with border closings, including procedures to re-open borders and to settle disputes more effectively to prevent long-term economic disruptions.
Demand is increasing: Global demand for animal protein is increasing, particularly in developing countries as incomes increase.
Environmental regulations: Environmental regulations increase production and processing costs. Regulatory differences across countries, states and provinces will have an impact on the future location of the industry. In the U.S., regulatory uncertainty caused by litigation is also a problem.
Immigration and labor: Some segments of animal production, and most animal processing in the U.S., are dependent on a workforce that includes many undocumented immigrants. This creates uncertainty for the workers and employers.
Communities and communication: The industry has a complex relationship with the rural communities where it operates. These relationships require cooperation and clear communication.
The 247 page report and executive summary are available at www.farmfoundation.org.

 

[Ranchy]

According to a report released this week by the Farm Foundation, North America "enjoys highly efficient livestock production systems that have adapted and evolved to meet changing conditions."

It would be a dern sight easier to raise livestock if the dadgum blasted government would stop turning the dadgum blasted wolves loose on us!!!!!! They are pure :evil: !