Source: Farm Journal’s PORK
Michigan pork producer Joe Dykhuis embarked on an international market development trip to the United Kingdom, driven by a desire to understand how his Pork Checkoff dollars were being utilized and to learn more about U.S. pork exports. The trip underscored the importance of traceability in the U.S. pork industry. In 2022, the U.S. exported over $7.6 billion in pork products to over 100 countries, making up nearly a quarter of U.S. pork production.
However, the industry faces significant risks from foreign animal diseases like African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Increasing cases of ASF globally in recent years highlight the urgency of traceability. Traceability enables the swift identification of exposed animals, essential for disease control and business continuity. Industry leaders are prioritizing preparedness and recovery from such outbreaks and are working on developing mandatory traceability programs. Traceability also meets consumers’ demand for transparency in the food supply chain.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.porkbusiness.com/news/hog-production/traceability-missing-link-pork-producer-says