In the presentation, Lautner noted that, in general, the U.S. public felt that producers took proper care of their animals and additional regulations were not needed. She also attended the Veterinary Seminar and discussed animal welfare with the New Zealand pork producers. Nick Giordano, NPPC International Trade Counsel, also participated in the conference to discuss U.S. producer views on international trade. The purpose of this program is to provide producers with an objective and uniform demonstration mechanism to validate vendor sales claims and facilitate the acceptance of technologies applicable to environmental concerns in pork production. Potential companies that may participate in the program include those that market pit additives, water treatment systems, waste management, air purification companies, and lagoon cover manufacturers.
Participation does require the environmental technology be available for sale.
ATEP will be featured at the Environmental Education Center at World Pork Expo. A statistical sampling of producers in the top 17 pork-producing states will be contacted beginning this summer. The visit includes completion of a questionnaire on general management and a consent form for participation in the next phase of the study. Participation is kept confidential. Research on prevalence of swine respiratory diseases such as PRRS, Mycoplasma, and Swine Influenza Virus.