In 1997 the USA became a net pork exporter for the first time.
Continued exports are vital to the sustainability of the swine industry.
Concerns about impacts of these changes on the environment, producer competitiveness, and economic and social structures have broadened industry awareness. Consumer safety and quality concerns necessitate more information transfer from producers and retail to ensure that desired products are available. The Iowa Pork Industry Center proposes to fulfill that role. Programs areas include responses to industry structural changes, personnel resources limitations, emerging pork quality issues, producer profitability, and consumer education. A team of specialists will be created to assist in new markets development.