Welcome to the 34th Banff Pork Seminar "Building the Canada Brand."
Our Hog Industry certainly has changed in the last 34 years and the Banff Pork Seminar has changed with it. With half of Canadian production being destined for export to other countries it has been and continues to be a logical discussion to see if we are willing and able to identify Canadian pork with a label that would make it recognizable for its quality, safeness, uniformity, reliability etc. The challenge is not just for the producer but the concept needs to have buy in all the way up the value chain.
With the American Trade Action on live hogs entering the US I believe that we are again brought to the sobering reality that our export sales are never without risk. The more that we can do to show the world that we have a fantastic product the better. The words "Canadian Pork" should be synonymous with "the best product the world has to offer". Is this a dream or can we make it happen?
As always, this years Banff Pork Seminar gives opportunity for visionary thinking and discussion. Often being able to network with pork industry people from around the world is as valuable as the Plenary and Breakout Sessions themselves. I hope you enjoy our speakers, participate in the uninhibited discussions and leave here with a pocket full of Business Cards.
The Organizing Committee, and notably Ruth Ball, have done a stellar job in putting this year's Seminar together. I believe you will have an enjoyable few days. Please tell other Industry People about all the good stuff the Seminar has to offer and if there are any areas that need improvement, please tell us.
Again - Welcome to the 2005 Banff Pork Seminar
Sincerely
Jack Moerman
Chair, on behalf of the BPS Advisory Committee